Supernatural Joy

The people in Nehemiah's day wept as they heard God's law and recognized where they had gone wrong. Their leaders did not call evil good or tell them to ignore conviction. They told them to receive the day as holy, share food with those who had none, and rejoice in the Lord. God's joy met people who had heard His Word and were being restored. It was deeper than a pleasant mood.

Jesus later told His disciples that He spoke His words so that His joy would remain in them and their joy would be full (John 15:11). He had just taught them to abide in Him and to love one another. Supernatural joy grows in fellowship with Christ. It does not require us to deny grief. Paul could write of being “sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10), because the presence and promises of God gave him a hope suffering could not erase.

If you have been trying to force yourself to feel cheerful, begin somewhere more solid. Come to the Lord honestly. Receive His mercy where you need correction. Recall what Christ has done for you, open His Word, and thank Him for one specific evidence of His care. Then look for a person with whom you can share kindness. The joy of the Lord can strengthen you while tears are still drying; it is the gift of belonging to Him.