Joy

When I think of the word “joy,” I smile, remembering the gift of a newborn healthy child, squeals of laughter when I played games with my young children, good times at the park and getting together with family and friends. Joy is synonymous with good times.

Word came to Nehemiah that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates were burned to the ground. He prayed to God that King Artaxerses would give him permission to go and rebuild the walls and gates. Permission granted. However, those who opposed the rebuilding sabotaged the work in every way. They plotted to stir up trouble among the workers.  The Jews complained that they were being overworked and were being forced to borrow money at high interest rates to live and pay taxes in order to rebuild the walls.

The apostle James said consider it “joy” when you face trials of many kinds. Remember Stephen?  The Bible says he was “a man full of God’s grace and power and did wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” He was stoned to death for his faith in Jesus Christ.  Remember Paul?  At first, he was zealous in persecuting Christians; then Jesus called him to take the gospel to the Gentiles.  He was persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, and threatened in every way.

What Joy is there in persecution, opposition, ridicule, war, wrongful imprisonment, or beatings?

There is no joy in these actions.  The joy is in the mercy of God who Himself provided a sacrifice for our wrongdoings, His Son, Jesus the Christ, who willingly gave His life for all who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

Nehemiah prayed to God throughout this ordeal asking God to “remember him with favor”, and God did. The project was completed.  The people celebrated with sacrifices, offerings and reading the law.  Stephen died, but the believers were scattered all over, taking the gospel message wherever they went.  Paul was ridiculed, beaten, shackled and placed in prison, but he persevered in his mission, to take the gospel message to the Gentiles.  The end result, is “JOY” for all who received the message.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus Christ.  I pray that your Holy Spirit will be in my mind and in my understanding and that the words that I speak will not cause pain. Give me joy in the midst of every situation.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen