THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH, Nehemiah 8:10. Finding the strength of God in the midst of one’s struggle/battle is not necessarily an easy thing. But, the promise of God that this quote from Nehemiah states is not just a statement–It is GOD’S LIVNG WORD.

Of late I’ve been working with several individuals in counseling sessions and Celebrate Recovery to see/find this Strength for themselves. In some cases, the individual needs to stand up to someone who is trying to control their every step; in other cases they need to find the strength–power to step away from an addiction that has owned them and the list goes on.

As I’ve personalized this for my own self I find the truth in the Gift Jesus gave us when we invited Him into our life. This Gift is The Holy Spirit. He alone is God for God is Spirit. The Spirit’s Voice speaks to us in times of trial, temptation reminding us He is there. So often I hear the message, but I want to do what I’m facing my way thinking it will be just fine. Only afterwards do I recognize fully how I should have listened and obeyed at the time the message was given.

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength when I choose to obey Him/His message/s. Joy is always found in obedience to God, not obedience to our own will–our spirit of flesh. God’s Holy Spirit wants to be the Voice of our Spirit which will happen if we daily surrender our will/spirit to Him. Oh, what JOY awaits this surrender!