Joy and gratitude can sometimes feel far away—especially when the demands of daily life overwhelm us or worries consume our thoughts. Yet, it is precisely in such moments that the Bible promises: “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). But what does this mean? And how can we practically experience this joy and gratitude in the midst of challenges?
What Does This Verse in Nehemiah Mean?
“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10)—a verse many of us know but may struggle to grasp when life leaves us exhausted. How are we supposed to find joy when stress and worries overwhelm us, to-do lists never end, finances are tight, health is fragile, or we’re walking through difficult times?
The joy spoken of in the Bible isn’t rooted in perfect circumstances. It’s a deep, inner joy that comes from God’s presence, even in the face of challenges.
In Nehemiah 8, we find the people of Israel returning to God after a long period of exile and repentance. They listen to God’s Word, recognize their failures, and begin to weep. But Ezra and Nehemiah encourage them not to stay in sorrow but to rejoice: “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” This joy is a response to God’s forgiveness and promises, not to a lack of problems.
How Joy and Gratitude Transform Our Daily Lives
This joy has the power to change our perspective. It makes us thankful for God’s promises and gives us renewed strength—even in the storm. When we understand that this joy flows from our relationship with God, we can find peace, let go, and trust.
It’s an active decision to shift our focus from our worries to God. He is in control and provides everything we need. Even when we can’t see solutions to our problems, we can remind ourselves that God is guiding us and is with us.
Matthew 6:26 reminds us: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
While it may feel unnatural because we don’t (yet) feel it, gratitude and joy are, according to God’s Word, a choice. In worship, we often speak of offering a “sacrifice of praise.”
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
Gratitude changes us deeply. And while we often think that feelings must come first, Scripture tells us it begins with a decision and action. True worship is thanking and praising God even when we don’t (yet) feel it. Our feelings will follow our decisions.
Challenges in Practicing Joy and Gratitude
One key lies in taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This means not listening to the worries and fears that try to discourage us but instead intentionally focusing on God’s promises and resisting the enemy’s lies by putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6).
It takes practice to become aware of our thoughts, but when we remember that God has control over every situation, we can find true peace and joy, even when circumstances remain challenging.
One of my favorite verses that a friend and I often share with each other is from Psalm 103:2, where David commands his soul:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Practical Ways to Live Out Gratitude and Joy
Talking about gratitude and joy in theory is one thing, but how can we put it into practice when we’re tired and discouraged?
- Practice Gratitude Intentionally:
Each day, take a moment to write down three things you’re grateful for. They can be small things—a sunny day, a kind word, or simply the fact that God sees you and knows your heart. - Nourish Joy Through Worship:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:2)
Worship is a powerful way to focus our thoughts on God, lay our burdens before Him, and find stillness in His presence. - Pause and Pray:
Direct your thoughts to Jesus. A simple prayer like, “Lord, I trust You, even when I don’t see the way forward or the solution,” can lift your perspective and renew hope. - Encouragement Through God’s Word:
Choose a verse about joy or gratitude that speaks to you and write it down. Place it somewhere you’ll see it often, like your kitchen or bathroom, and read it repeatedly. - Seek Community:
Sometimes, we lack the faith or strength on our own. Share your struggles with someone who loves and encourages you and who will pray with or for you. Prayer from others can carry us through. Often, it’s the little things—a hug, a cup of tea, a prayer—that remind us we’re not alone.
A Focus on Jesus
Jesus knew that His painful and sacrificial death would open the way for humanity’s salvation. His joy came from His love for us and the certainty that His obedience would fulfill God’s plan and restore our relationship with Him.
This joy was not superficial. It didn’t ignore or diminish suffering—Jesus prayed in Gethsemane with deep anguish, asking for the cup to pass from Him (Matthew 26:39). Yet His willingness to go to the cross was an expression of His love and trust in God’s greater plan—for Himself and for us.
A Life Full of Joy and Gratitude
Joy and gratitude are anchors that carry us through life’s storms, reflecting our trust in God. When we focus on Him, we can experience the promise of Romans 15:13:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Joy is the fruit of our relationship with God, as Galatians 5:22 tells us:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
This joy doesn’t come through effort but through the work of the Holy Spirit within us. By creating space for His work—through prayer, worship, and a conscious turning to God—this joy can grow in our lives and strengthen us, no matter the circumstances.
