Have you ever considered the fact that we need joy? Have our hearts been designed for it, but we didn\u2019t realize it? Is joy a required part of our overall health?<\/p>\n
When the Israelites heard the words of the Lord, after years of exile, they began to weep. Nehemiah, who had become their governor, told them not to grieve. He said the joy of the Lord would be their strength.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n What did he mean?\u00a0 Nehemiah meant the gladness of heart which comes from the nearness of God\u00a0 fuels our lives by giving courage and strength.<\/p>\n Our hearts are fueled by joy. We have to have it. It\u2019s fundamental to our well-being. We\u2019ll keep on searching for it down whichever life path seems most promising. When one way comes up empty, we\u2019ll look for it in another. Deep within our hearts, there\u2019s an unquenchable craving for something more.<\/p>\n God has set eternity in the hearts of men.<\/p>\n Consider the etymology of the word \u201cheart\u201d. The Latin word for heart is \u201ccor\u201d. From it, we get our English word \u201ccore\u201d – the core of an apple, our core exercises, the essence of who we are. The French modified it to \u201ccour,\u201d from which we get the word courage<\/em><\/span>.<\/p>\n Courage<\/span><\/em> is vital for each day, especially when we face life\u2019s challenges. The antonym of joy, sorrow, can disheartened us. When this happens, we need to be encourage<\/span>d<\/em>, filled with courage. A spark of joy, in the midst of discourage<\/em><\/span>ment, gives us hope and strength to keep taking breaths and stepping forward.<\/p>\n Joy is more than an optional \u201cadd on\u201d to our lives. In fact, you may even call it the sustenance of our souls. And though we experience joy in God\u2019s creation around us, especially in our encounters with people, God himself is the source of all joy.<\/p>\n Speaking of God, David wrote, \u201cIn your presence is fullness of Joy.\u201d Psalm 1611b<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The more we know God, the more joy, courage and strength we experience.<\/p>\n Challenge:<\/strong> What circumstance has stolen your joy? What lie has blocked your awareness of the Lord\u2019s nearness and love for you? Is there anything you believe will give you more Joy than the Lord Himself? Answer these questions honestly before the Lord. Embrace the joy of His presence and the courage<\/em><\/span> He brings to your heart.<\/p>\n Prayer: <\/strong>Lord, you alone are my great joy. I\u2019m so sorry for desiring any relationship, any circumstance more than you. Thank you that right now you indwell me and are closer than breathe. Your love for me cannot be shaken in spite of anything in heaven and on earth. I embrace you and ask you to strengthen my heart with the joy of your presence. Amen<\/p>\n Is Joy a Vital Part of a Health You (Part 1)\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n