Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."  Nehemiah 8:10 

 

C.S. Lewis said, 'There's too much rigidity in dealing with sacred matters, too much speaking in 'holy tones.' And the tragic loss in all this pious gamesmanship is to the individual in the pew. He begins to feel that in the midst of all the religious razzle-dazzle he himself can't get through to God. Joy is more than earthly pleasure and more than what we call happiness. Joy is the enjoyment of God and the good things that come from Him. If the Bible provides us the wonderful words of life, joy supplies the music. If the way to heaven is a difficult climb, joy sets up the chair lift.' Joy is the fuel God intends us to run on. So how come we feel so uneasy about seeking more of it?  For the same reason that we feel guilty about taking time off. We think, 'We're Christians; we're not supposed to enjoy ourselves.' Read your Bible! 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy ...' (Romans 15:13). Ever notice how some people go through incredible difficulties yet still have joy, while others who don't go through half as much struggle to keep their heads above water? What's the difference? These people have a well within that they draw from daily; a well that can't be drained by what's going on around them. Nehemiah said, '...the joy of the Lord [the joy that comes from knowing that He's Lord of every situation] is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10). What's blocking you from experiencing God's joy? Find out ASAP - and refuse to live another day without it.