*Post updated January 2023
“Because joy is my inheritance, I will facilitate joy wherever I go.”
–Neh. 8:10, Psalm 16:5-6, 11
And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
You see, the people had gathered together to hear the Book of the Law read out loud. For most people there, it was the first time they had ever heard God’s Word.
As they listened, they experienced collective guilt and shame, which led to their communal public lament. While their repentance was an appropriate response to the Word of God, Nehemiah encouraged them to focus on the goodness of God – His mercy and grace toward them – to celebrate His holiness instead of getting stuck focusing on their shortcomings and sin.
This scene gets played out in my heart often.
Sometimes I’m the Israelites gathered together, crying out as I acknowledge and weep over my sin.
Sometimes I’m Nehemiah preaching to myself to admit my wrongdoing, lament, repent, and celebrate that God is who He is – to stay tapped into the source of my joy.
The pandemic, schools shutting down, working from home, seeing men who could have been my father being murdered on camera, watching people rise up and stand up for justice, to the general uncertainty.
The last few years have felt like too much. From the safety of my home, I raise my boys and pray that I am guiding them to be men who will rise up and stand up for justice. On any given day, I can be so overwhelmed with frustration, sadness, and uncertainty that I can feel like I’m just treading water.
But God.
He will remind me of a song lyric – usually a throwback to the golden era of hip hop – and I’ll listen to track after track reciting lines and belting out chorus after chorus.
Or He’ll invite me to go for a walk outside. The fresh air, sunlight, movement, encouragement from a podcast, or music feels like a kiss from heaven.
Or He will refocus my gaze and shift my attention to the boys I’m raising for Him, and their infectious laughter will remind me of my charge in life.
Joy is found in the presence of the Lord. Joy is my inheritance.
Though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I will remember that there must be sunlight out there somewhere that is creating that shadow. The joy of the Lord is my strength, and I will reflect that joy like a prism – first within myself, to myself, and then out to everyone God places on the path He’s set me on.
In the comments below, share how God has given you joy in a season of pain, suffering, and uncertainty.
Joy is found in the presence of the Lord. Joy is my inheritance.
Reina is a Certified Revelation Wellness Instructor from Platoon 16 who fights daily to break generational curses by allowing the Holy Spirit to show her how to live in the center of God’s will. She is the co-founder of MOMENT’em Focus, creator of A Guide to Grace-Filled Living: The Planner for Procrastinating Perfectionists, and serves as an organizer for GirlTrek in Columbia, SC.
18 Responses
My joy has come from Him giving us a new granbaby or my daughter and now a small intimate wedding for my son!! And being in Platoon 24 has been an unexpected joy especially since I ended up quarantined during that time!!
i want to tell others to just do it…even ifbyiu are afraid. it has been life changing and I was basically pushed into it by my niece!!
Reina..where can I get that grace… procrastinator book? can you reach out to me?
That’s so exciting, Janet! We are so glad you’re in training with us. You are a fitness teacher, gospel preacher! I’ll forward your message to Reina. Her guide sounds awesome!
Yes!!!! This has been the hardest, heaviest season of everything!!! But god!! He has been so faitHful to comfort, provide and heal as i am going thRough the wiLderness. So thankful for This safe, healthy & whole community! Thank you for Sharing your story!
Amen! We are grateful you are here, Cristin! Thank you for reading the blog!
During the pandemic, God has been good.
When trials and family differences are presented I press into him. Not trying to fix anyone, just accepTance
Of the persOn, love rises up.
His live has given me STRENGTH, when weak, comfort when sad, willingness to feel and be with all mY feelings.
Thank you so much for sharing, Debra! Praise God!
thanks Phillip.
i Enjoy the shorter workouts!!
Thanks, Melba! Have you checked out RevWell TV?
Amen! Being a single mom of tWo beAutiful babies durimg this Pandemic has been Crazy. Working from hOme, helpIng my 9 year Old feel some sort of noRmal life and also going tHroUgh fostering and adopting an 11 month old. Even Through all of this, i have been drawn closer to God, diving in his word with mornng devotionAls, joining small GRouPs and just knowing that Being in his presence during a time of chaos and Unrest i can find rest and joy! I did the Core challenge that helped. Thank yOu Father for yOur goodness and mercy!
Thank you for sharing, Chey! Praise God that you are not weary and He continues to pull you toward Himself and into deep community.
What a timely wonderful message! Thank you! Today is my 1st day of a 40 day prayer and fast ….and I AM ANTICIPATIng These days before with joy! even though painful days are ahead, I will be drawing nearer to the heart of my father with my ears listening…. AGain, thank you for this awesome blog!!!
Thank you, Debbra! We hope these 40 days are a blessing. Have you checked out our 21-day Sugar Fast?
My joy today was to eat lunch outside during my lunch breacj from onliNe Teaching and reading this. God knew i needed this today. Thank you fOr posting this.
Thanks for sharing, Lisa! You can subscribe to the blog and have them sent right to your email!
I cannot find the GULL WORKOUT HERE ON REV WELL TV. Can you help? (This clip is only 10 min of the workout
Search the title or the instructor’s name and it should come up!
Thank you so much for this message! I NEEDED to read Psalm 16 and Nehemiah 8 and claim my inheritancE in the Lord! I’ve been stuck for awhile and This Post Led me Back to tRuth!
Amen, Kari! You are in the right place to get unstuck!