The joy of the Lord is my strength

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV)


I recently experienced a period of real intentional and conscious joy. I mean real joy, not just feeling happy or experiencing an absence of adversity. This kind of joy comes only through a relationship with God, through living in the truth of Jesus' death and resurrection, and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We can still be joyful, no matter what life throws at us. 
Throughout these few weeks when I felt like nothing could bring me down, I was constantly hearing and reading things about a battle that is going on. A battle between good and evil, between principalities and powers. The theme of these messages was always that Jesus was victorious over all, and we have victory in him. I was also hearing about how, as Christians, we need to live in the truth of this victory, to not be cowering away from the world in fear, or living comfortable lives, but really stepping out in faith and claiming the truths of God's word in our own lives.
So, while I was hearing these messages I was preparing myself for some kind of attack that might try to destroy the joy that I was claiming in my life, and I was determined to be strong, in the Lord. About a week ago thoughts of insecurity and self-pity started sneaking in, and I've had a few struggles, but am trying to hold on to the joy. It is at these times that the joy of the Lord really does become my strength, and I'm praying that it will sustain me, and be renewed again and again.
Maybe this can be some kind of encouragement for someone. Maybe I just wanted to put it into words for myself. Either way, may Nehemiah 8:10 be a reality in my life and the lives of others.