Finding joy can help us with troubles
"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is our strength …"
- Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)
The worries and fears of life's problems can drag us down.
If we keep our minds on our problems all the time, we can become problem-focused. Focusing on the problem only causes worry and fear to intensify and stresses us.
God tells us worry weakens us and joy strengthens us. Searching for joy in the midst of life's troubles always lightens our load and our relaxed state can help bring solutions to mind.
Nehemiah was a biblical prophet who was grieved over the destruction of the protection walls surrounding Jerusalem. Through prayer, he realized it was his task to rebuild those walls. But, in doing so, there was great opposition coming against him and his helpers. In the middle of the project they were feeling weak and weary.
One day, Nehemiah had a talk with his workers and instructed them that the joy of the Lord was their strength. Nehemiah and his workers decided to find the joy in their task working for the Lord and carried on with the job to complete it.
God has given us the emotions we need to get through the difficulties of life's trials. One of them is joy. But how do we find Godly joy that strengthens us?
The writer of biblical psalms prayed, "Restore me to the joy of your salvation," Psalm 51:12. This writer believed keeping our perspective that we have been given eternal life through God's plan of salvation in Jesus Christ fills our hearts with joy.
Thinking on the good things to be thankful for can turn our worries into joy. Changing our facial expression by smiling can cause our worried frowns to take on a new body language, thus making us feel better. Besides, we may get some smiles back in return. I believe Jesus smiled at people.
Laughing restores joy to a situation. Laughing at our silly mistakes can lighten our moods. Playing with a child can make our hearts merry. Jesus enjoyed the little children. Helping someone in need fills our hearts with joy. Praying with expectation to receive answers and relief can render a happier heart.
Like Nehemiah, as we take on the task to rebuild something in our lives, let's find the strength to do it through the discovery of Godly joy.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Annettee will be speaking at the Libertyville Civic Center Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. Reserve your seats by calling (847) 543-8413 or email Annetteebudzban@aol.com.