The Joy That Overflows

In Nehemiah’s day, as the people gathered to hear the Law, their hearts were pierced with conviction. They wept as they realized how far they had strayed from God’s ways. Yet in that moment, the word to them was not one of sorrow but of joy: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). They were to celebrate, to share, and to rejoice in the goodness of God. The call was not merely to personal enjoyment, but to extend that joy to others—especially to those who had nothing.

This remains true today. The joy of the Lord is not something hoarded; it is a wellspring that overflows to those around us. In a world where many hearts are weighed down, there are countless who have “nothing prepared”—no peace, no comfort, no assurance of love. The riches of Christ are abundant, and we are called to give lavishly from what we have received. The joy of the Lord is not merely an emotion but a source of spiritual sustenance, a deep well from which we draw strength to love, serve, and give—even when that love is not returned.

Imagine a lamp in a darkened house. Its purpose is not to bask in its own glow, but to spread light to the room around it. A lamp that shines only for itself is useless. So it is with the joy God gives us; it is meant to illuminate, to warm, to call others into the brightness of His presence.

Christ Himself modeled this joy-giving love. He gave to those who did not appreciate Him. He poured out kindness even where it was spurned. Yet, He was never diminished by rejection because His joy was not dependent on response but on the unshakable love of the Father. So we, too, are called to love without measure, to give without keeping a tally, to extend grace without expectation of return.

When love is cast aside, when generosity is met with indifference, when self-giving feels unnoticed—there is no need for discouragement. God sees. He knows. And He calls us to keep pouring out, for in Him, the well never runs dry.

A Life of Overflowing Joy

Let the joy of the Lord be both the foundation and the outflow of your life today. Drink deeply of His goodness, rejoice in His unchanging love, and share with those who have nothing prepared. There is no loss in love given for Christ’s sake, only the assurance that He who sees in secret will reward in ways beyond what we can imagine.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You for the joy that is found in You alone, a joy that is unshaken by circumstances and undiminished by rejection. You have poured Your love into us so that it might overflow to those in need. As we go about this day, may we share freely from the abundance we have in You, never withholding, never calculating loss. May our hearts be filled with the strength that comes from resting in You. We rejoice in the certainty that every act of love offered in Your name is never wasted. Amen.

(Credit: Insights drawn from Days of Heaven on Earth, January 29.)