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Joy will flow even if it is one drip at a time.

Make me hear joy and gladness,
that the bones You have broken may rejoice.

– Psalm 51:8 (NKJV)

Psalm 51 is a psalm of repentance after David’s affair with Bathsheba. I appreciate how it colors the page in my Bible with honesty.

Sometimes we need God to “make us” hear joy and gladness. We almost grow deaf to it after we have suffered for a while.

Recently, our bathroom faucet had a small, steady leak. If I had closed the drain, it would have taken a long time for the sink to fill, but those drops would have added up.

When joy comes from the Lord, it might seem to “drip out” slowly, but it will add up. Eventually, our joy will run deep, washing away our pain and giving us new strength.

One tiny drop of joy from the Lord will translate into strength. (Tweet that)

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

– Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)

The book of Nehemiah centers on the spiritual restoration of the people of Israel. They had grieved when they heard the Law of Moses because they realized their former disobedience. But Ezra encourages them: “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

We can apply these words in the book of Nehemiah to every aspect of our lives. His joy will bring strength to our repentant hearts.

When I talk about our repentant hearts, I don’t mean that you’ve done something to bring about the circumstances of your battlefield. I don’t know the specifics of your battle. However,  I do know that we are imperfect people who need to cry out to God with an honest and repentant attitude.

We will never be free of sin in our earthly lives. We will continue to make mistakes, but God hears, loves, knows, and forgives us. He is a God of grace and mercy, ready and willing to bring joy into the places of our hearts that hurt the most.

One small drop of joy can do a miracle. Allow His joy to be your strength today!

Love,

Jennifer

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