Choose Joy!
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!” — Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) When are we to be full of joy? First Thessalonians 5:16 (NLT) tells us to ALWAYS be joyful. Consider every day God gives you as a sacred day to celebrate. It is a gift from above, coming down from the Father of lights. James 1:2-3 (NASB1995) says: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. So, do not be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength. He will turn your mourning into joyful dancing. He will take away your clothes of mourning and clothe you with joy, that you might sing praises to Him and not be silent. O LORD my God, let us give thanks to You forever! (See Psalms 30:11-12 NLT)