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The joy of the Lord is my strength – Nehemiah 8:10

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When we feel weak and need a doze of encouragement, we can turn to the word of God and see what brings Him joy. I can think of so many things that Israel did wrong and got punished for it. Starting with Adam and Eve in the garden, through the wilderness in Exodus, and all throughout the books of the Old Testament, we can see a repetitive pattern of people falling from grace and asking God for help. The Lord is aware of our shortcomings, of all our weak places, and He died for us on the cross, giving us an eternal redemption for our sins.

Joy gives us strength. It helps us overcome our weaknesses in the flesh, teaches us to see the temporal nature of life on earth, and builds patience towards others, who don’t know Jesus. Joy transforms the sour places in refreshments – making our lemons into a lemonade. Praise God!

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Father, thank you for your goodness! Amen.

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