My dear friend, it’s a joy for me to greet you this morning. Speaking of joy, today’s verse is taken from Nehemiah 8:10, which says, "The joy of the Lord is my strength." Yes, whenever I hear this verse, I’m reminded of its deep truth. People often ask, “How do you stay positive?” “How do you keep smiling even when you're surrounded by criticism and negativity?” My only answer, every time, is this: ‘The joy of the Lord is my strength.’ I have truly experienced it in my life. 

So, how do we receive this joy, a joy that becomes our daily strength? It’s natural to seek happiness or relief when we’re feeling stressed. Maybe you’re overwhelmed with work pressure. Maybe the words of your relatives or family members weigh heavily on your heart. Maybe it feels like everything is crashing down - your finances, your job, or your business. You may be longing for some relief. Often, we turn to friends or entertainment to lift our spirits. But once we return to our reality, the stress still lingers. The pressure continues to pull us down.  So, how can we stay positive? How can we receive true strength in the midst of our struggles? It can only come from the joy God gives us, fresh every morning. When we connect with Him in the morning, when we read His Word and speak to Him in prayer, He gives us the guidance for the day, the nourishment for our soul, and the next step for our life.

You might think, “The Bible was written so long ago. How does it apply today?” But His Word is still living and active. God still speaks through it, uplifting your spirit and guiding your path. You’ll find contentment in all that you do, whether you are in a high or a low, because you’ll know that God is with you, to bring you out and lead you to victory.  That’s what we see in Philippians 4:12-13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” So, just as Paul says, God will also give you the strength to be content in all circumstances, and the confidence to say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

So, my friend, each morning, receive this joy from the Lord, and that joy will become your strength, your fuel to overcome every challenge. You’ll carry the confidence that God is with you, and He will give you victory and success in everything. He will be with you through it all.

PRAYER: 
Dear Lord, thank You for the joy that comes only from You; the perfect joy that becomes my strength each day. Even in the midst of life’s daily pressure and stress, I choose to seek You, Lord. Fill me each morning with Your Word, Your peace, and Your joy. Let Your joy rise above my burdens and bring calm and strength to my heart. Teach me to be content in all circumstances, whether in plenty or in need. I declare in faith that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank You, Lord, for always being with me through it all. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.