Dwell – Day 28

Nehemiah 8:10

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Life comes with its ups and downs, but true joy, joy found in the Lord, isn’t tied to your circumstances.

True joy is a fruit and flows from knowing God is constant—His love never wavers, His promises never fail. Nehemiah’s words remind us that the Lord’s joy is a strength we can draw on when we feel weak, weary, or unsure. And unlike “putting on a happy face” or only sharing the highlight reel, true joy isn’t about pretending everything is perfect but about trusting God to sustain us in every season.

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Stop for a moment and reflect that Paul wrote those words while in prison! A command to rejoice always while he himself was in prison! How?

Because his joy wasn’t rooted in where he was—it was rooted in who God is.

Even on hard days, or difficult seasons, you can ask yourself: What can I be thankful for today? How is God showing up, even in the small things?

I help lead a group of 10th grade girls on Tuesday nights in our Students ministry. Last year, I challenged them to a gratitude project. I gave them a stack of paper strips and taught them how to fold tiny paper stars using the strips. I asked them to take time each night to write one thing they are grateful for, or an answered prayer, or a way they saw God move on the strip before folding it into a star and placing it into a jar or vase. Before long, vases were full of tiny reminders of God’s goodness and faithfulness and hearts were reminded to be grateful.Often, as soon as we hit a bit of turbulence in our life, we forget all the ways God has been faithful. And in those moments, the girls could look over at their vases and be reminded.

Cultivating gratitude invites joy into your life, even in moments that don’t feel joyful.

Reflection Question:
What are three things you can thank God for today, even if life feels messy or uncertain?

Guided Prayer:
Lord, thank You that Your joy is my strength. Help me to see beyond my circumstances and focus on You. Show me the little blessings in each day and teach me to carry gratitude in my heart. Remind me that Your joy is steady, even when life feels shaky. Fill my heart with peace and laughter today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Remember, joy isn’t something you have to find on your own. It’s a gift that God is eager to give—just reach out and receive it!