Do not be sad for My joy is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 New International Version (NIV)

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

In this passage of Scripture, Israel had assembled to listen to the Word of the Lord. It sounds like it was a very intense time and people were weeping in such a solemn assembly. No doubt they might have been surprised when they heard the Lord's encouragement for them not to be sad, but to rely on the joy of the Lord to find their true strength.

According to Strong's Concordance, the word strength here in the Hebrew means a fortified place, a fort, a rock, a strong hold. Just think of it...the joy of the Lord is your personal fortress! Whenever you are faced with sadness, run into the strong hold of the Lord's joy and that is where you will find your strength. 

God is filled with joy! Joy is listed in the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of God is described as righteousness, peace and joy. Jesus said that He came that our joy might be full. In His presence is fullness of joy! 

The joy of the Lord is our unshakeable strong hold in the midst of a world that is continually being shaken. No matter what comes your way in life, take refuge in Papa God's joy over you today. It is a safe place where you can live forever!