So many people in the last few weeks have been downcast with what is going on today.  Many are just weary.  Our gracious Lord reminded me  of a message He gave us back in January 2001; I would like to repeat it here with some changes.  For me, it was and still is uplifting and blesses my heart with peace and joy.  I hope it blesses you too.

“…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

There is in this statement a truth, when established, confounds the world and up builds the church.  Ezra had just read to all the people the Law and all the people “were weeping when they heard the words of the Law.  Then he said to them…’Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’”  Nehemiah 8:9b and 8:10b

Jesus, the fulfillment of the Law, said
“Abide in Me and I in you…” John 15:4
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and 
  that your joy may be full.”  John 15:11
(Read 4-11 and rejoice.)

No matter what circumstances surround a Believer who sees God in all things and stands firm in that knowledge; that one has a ‘joy unspeakable’.
It is that inner joy that shines through in quiet confidence, peace and strength.  It shows the world there is something different here and its very attractive.

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face…”  Proverbs 15:13a

“…a cheerful heart has a continual feast.”  Proverbs 15:15a

“A joyful (happy) heart is good medicine (causes good healing)…”
 Proverbs 17a  The Amplified Bible

The effects of a joyful heart is of great benefit not only to the individual, but to those around as well.  There is, also, the effect of a heart that is not joyous:
“…But when a heart is sad, the spirit is broken.”  Proverbs 15:13b

“…But a broken spirit dries the bones.”  Proverbs 17:22b
“All the days of the afflicted are bad…”  Proverbs 15:15a

Looking at these verses separated in this way show us two different walks.
We either walk in the flesh, or as we are called to do,
“…walk in the Spirit, and you will not carry our the desire of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:16

“The one who says he abides in Him (Christ) ought himself to walk in the
 manner He walked.”  1 John 2:6 

“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.”
Colossians 2:6

Christ Jesus is our portion; He is our joy.  If we abide in Him, joy must also be our portion.

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 14:17

With the Psalmist then, we can say,
“Thou wilt make known to me the path of life;
 In Thy presence is fullness of joy;
 In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.”  Psalm 16:11
Amen