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

I believe we are to repeatedly pray this verse when we are distressed.  For, in suffering, we realize we need God to be strong for us.  And, we need to see that joy from God is felt in the midst of challenging circumstances, and not because of perfect circumstances.  Paradoxically, when we are weak, He is strong.  We become strong as He increases our joy and comforts us in grief and pain with His love.  God’s unconditional love means God gives us joy even when we don’t feel like being joyful, He gives us strength when we are at our weakest, and He gives us eternal hope despite our present difficult circumstances.  He is our pillar of strength and deliverer of joy; He is not bound by time, circumstances, or emotions.  He gives His healing love and everlasting joy freely, always.  When you are struggling, pray: “the joy of the Lord is my strength.” 

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