The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength.
The joy of the Lord is a deep and lasting source of strength that can be experienced even in difficult times.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes that true strength comes from the joy of the Lord, contrasting it with the fleeting joy of the world that masks deeper sorrow. He explains that a joyful heart is vital for effective living, as it energizes and motivates us to serve others selflessly. This divine joy is rooted in the assurance of God's forgiveness and flourishes even in trials, independent of external circumstances. Meyer encourages believers to seek joy in God Himself, which naturally overflows to uplift others and spread hope. Ultimately, the joy of the Lord not only strengthens us but also becomes a source of light for those around us.
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The joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh. viii. 10.
"THE sad heart tires in a mile," is a frequent proverb. What a difference there is between the energy of the healthy, joyous heart and the forced activity of the morbid and depressed one! The one leaps to its task, the other creeps to it. The one discovers its meat and drink in self‑sacrifice, the other limps, and stoops, and crawls. If you want to be strong for life's work, be sure to keep a glad heart. But, be equally sure to be glad with the joy of Lord. There is a counterfeit of it in the world, of which we must beware ‑‑ an outward merry‑making, jesting, and mad laughter, which hides an aching and miserable heart. Solomon compares the joy of the world to the crackling of thorns under a pot, which flare up with great speed, but burn out before the water in the pot is warm.
Ours must be the joy of the Lord. It begins with the assurance of forgiveness and acceptance in the Beloved. It is nourished in trial and tribulation, which veil outward sources of consolation, and lead us to rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus. It is independent of circumstances, so that its possessors can sing in the stocks. It lives not in the gifts of God, but in God Himself. It is the fruit of the Spirit, who begets in us love, joy, peace, long‑suffering. Get the Lord Himself to fill your soul, and joy will be as natural as the murmur of a brook to its flow.
And such joy will always reveal itself to others. You will desire to send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. Your joy will be contagious; it will shed its kindly light on sad and weary hearts. As Rutherford said, we have a new heaven in the heaven of every soul we bring there.
Sermon Outline
- The Joy of the Lord
- The difference between a healthy and morbid heart
- The importance of a glad heart for life's work
- The danger of counterfeit joy
Key Quotes
“THE sad heart tires in a mile” — F.B. Meyer
“Get the Lord Himself to fill your soul, and joy will be as natural as the murmur of a brook to its flow” — F.B. Meyer
“we have a new heaven in the heaven of every soul we bring there” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Make sure to keep a glad heart by seeking forgiveness and acceptance in Jesus Christ.
- Rejoice in God through trials and tribulations to experience the joy of the Lord.
- Share your joy with others by being a blessing to them and spreading kindness and love.