Nehemiah 8:10
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
We are going to preach to you this morning about Joy.
Christians and non-Christians alike are always searching for ways to bring more happiness and joy into their lives, and for good reason.
Joy Can:
- Help you lose weight
- lower your stress
- lower your risk of a heart attack
- improve your blood pressure
- Boost your immune system
- Help you focus
- Improve your memory
James 1:2-3
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
We will go through different trials in life. There will be times when we are sick, our car breaks down, and many other things, but we also need to have joy in knowing that God is going to help us get through it or out of it.
Yet it says in verse 3 that the testing of your faith produces patience.
Now I am sure you have never had a problem with patience, right? Have you ever stood in line when someone in front of you that is checking out says "oh this bag has a hole in it" and the checker says "you can go back and get another one" and then you have to wait until they come back?
Often times I will start to talk to the check and try to say something funny or just talk about something else so that they will keep the patience or joy. There is joy in patience. Especially for the other people. Because, some people loose there Christianity with their mouth.
1 Peter 1:8-9
8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
It means that having faith in God's promises gives those who trust him strength in the face of adversities. Many things can rob us of joy in life, prejudice, injustice, failing health, unemployment, grief, anxiety, fear, and sorrow all take a weakening toll on us
The joy that we have in the Lord is our strength.
In those time of despair, a need, in heartache, doubtfulness, depression, and many other problems "the joy of the Lord is our strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
2 John 1:12
12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
There should be joy in Relationships
When we are around people we should have more joy. I should be noticable. Often times when I go to a restruante I will ask for Holy Water (which of course is Dr. Pepper) to try to get the waiters or waitresses to smile.
There are also time I will try to make them laugh or just tell them they are doing a great job. Spread the joy you have in Jesus.
We are Christians who are one day going to Heaven. We are going to walk on streets of gold and get to see Jesus and those nail scarred hands. We should be full of joy.
When I told everyone about 3 weeks ago about Ugly Sweater Sunday, you should have seen everyone's face light up. Why? Because they had joy in know that a fun day was coming at the church.
Get some joy back in your life when you step through the doors of the church.
When you come to church on Sunday Morning have some joy. Come in the house of the Lord and be happy and joyful. Know that God is here waiting to hear from you. He wants to solve all of your problems and give you strength and peace.