The Joy of The Lord

The dictionary defines "joy" as "an emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying." Don't you just love that? Especially when we sing the song, "The Joy of the Lord is my Strength". That song is taken from the book of Nehemiah. The priest, Ezra has just read to book of law to God's children. It says that everyone who could understand stood and listened attentively from morning until noon and then they were so moved by God's Word that they wept. Nehemiah tells them not to weep but to celebrate because the "the joy of the Lord is their strength". Wow! Imagine what a powerful scene that was. To be so enthralled and moved to tears by God's word and then the gentle reminder---that we have strength from God and His joy ---How could God not be rejoicing over this scene?
The idea that our Father looks down on us and has "an emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying" is very humbling. We think often of God as the Sacrificial, Loving, Just, Faithful, Creating, All knowing God but we seldom think of Him as a Joyful God.
What brings God joy? We know the obvious answers, loving and obedient children. And I know that indeed makes Him happy. Yet, we brought Him joy before we even were. Ephesians 1 talks about how God chose us, fell in love with us, even before He created us. Eugene Peterson in his paraphrase, The Message, puts it this way. "Long long ago He decided to adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!) Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious
living . . ." . Is that not amazing!!!! We brought Him joy before He gave us life!!! And if we believe that, we cannot help but be strong.

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength!!!

Neva