Nehemiah was a leader of God’s people in the Old Testament. God’s people were devastated when they heard how deeply they had sinned against God. Nehemiah knew that God had forgiven the people, that He’d erased their sins from His mind. Nehemiah told them, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
What grieves you today? What upsets you? What triggers you? Know that God is in control. He forgives, He loves, and He wants you to actually be happy in Him - to rest in the confident assurance that He is working out all of the little details in the lives of His people.
You’re weak when you’re not joyful. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Being joyful in God (not in your job title, the brand of your car, or what clothes you wear) is what makes you strong. Fight discouragement. Ask God to give you joy, and trust that He will. Remember everything God has done for you. Look ahead to the eternal rewards God promises to those who give everything to Him. And be strong.