the joy of the lord

Nehemiah 8:10 Do not be sad or sorry: for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
 
When joy manifests in the life of a believer, they will be continually glad and cheerful.  It can be difficult to understand why a person in tribulation can even have joy.  You cannot analyze joy because it is not a product of man, joy can only come from the Lord Himself.  The Holy Ghost and the joy of the Lord are like the wind, you can’t see the wind but you can see what it does when it blows.  So, how do we have joy?
 
John 15:11 These things I have spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full.
 
The joy of the Lord is a manifestation of His joy in us based on what He tells us.  No matter what your situation, the joy of the Lord can manifest in your heart.  Jesus said that in this life we would have tribulation but to be of good cheer because He overcame everything that tries to hinder us.  If we take hold of His Word we will know the devil  cannot sustain any kind of attack, His joy gives us strength.
 
Mathew 7:24 Whosoever hears My Words and does them, will be like a wise man which builds his house upon a rock.
 
My natural house is built on a cement foundation according to Montana state building code.  When the heavy rains and snow come I never have even one worried thought.  I know the elements of nature cannot harm me, so I have natural joy.  Jesus says that  if we listen to Him and do what He says, then the devil has no weapons that he forms against us that will succeed.  If we get the revelation that we are more than conquerors, then we will have the joy of the Lord without limitations.  When you have the joy of the Lord in your heart, you have an attitude of confidence and victory.  The joy of the Lord is a spiritual force that empowers a person to expect victory every day of their life.  No man can take your joy because no man gave it to you.
 
Hebrews 12:2 Look unto Jesus Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame.
 
Jesus hated what He had to endure but He had joy because He knew how things would turn out.  He knew that His blood would cleanse all mankind of sin, He knew many would not see hell.  Without faith a man cannot have the God kind of faith, one must believe that God will have the last word.  People who have no faith tend to be depressed and withdrawn, they have no hope of a better life.  Most people who commit suicide have no hope, they cannot see anything getting better for them.  The joy of the Lord will sustain a believer through every hardship and attack of the devil.  If the devil cannot get your joy, then he cannot get your goods. 

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