February 12: Guarding your Joy

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Guarding your Joy



Dr. Terry-Ann Robinson

Key Text:  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.” Nehemiah 8:10

 

Close your eyes for a moment and think about a joyful experience.

Did your face automatically soften into a smile?

What was it that stirred that feeling deep inside you?

Joy has a way of lighting up the heart, yet it often feels fragile. We want to hold onto it, but life is full of “joy stealers.” They show up subtly in comparison, the pressure of social media, negative conversations, pessimistic voices, or even our own harsh inner critic. Without realizing it, we can surrender our joy piece by piece.

But Scripture tells us something powerful: joy is not just an emotion—it’s a source of strength. It comes from the Lord, not our circumstances.

In Nehemiah’s time, the people gathered as the Book of the Law was read aloud from morning until midday. I want to take special note of the length of time as today we find it so difficult to focus on reading the bible for 30 mins. The people wasn’t just passively listening—no minds wandering, no bodies present but hearts distant. The Bible says they were attentive. They leaned in. They responded. They lifted their hands. They bowed their faces to the ground in worship.

Something happens when we focus our full attention on God’s Word. Something shifts internally.
Joy rises—not because everything around us is perfect, but because God’s truth brings strength, hope, and clarity.

The people had been grieving over their sins and their past, but Nehemiah reminded them:
“Do not grieve… the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
In other words, don’t stay stuck in sorrow. God invites you to step into joy—His joy.

Just like the people in Nehemiah’s day, we must be intentional. Joy doesn’t protect itself. You and I must guard our joy.

Here are some tips:

  • Stay attentive to God’s Word - Joy grows where truth dwells.
  • Limit the voices that drain you - Not everyone or everything should get a front-row seat to your heart.
  • Practice gratitude, even for small things - Gratitude exposes joy stealers.
  • Share with others - Nehemiah told the people to enjoy food and share with those who had none—joy multiplies when it’s given away.
  • Choose worship over worry - When you lift your hands in worship the burdens are lifted too.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for offering me joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances. Help me guard my heart from anything that steals the strength You’ve given me. Make me attentive to Your Word, mindful of Your goodness, and quick to worship. Fill me today with the joy of the Lord—my true strength. Amen.

 


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