Whenever a situation is uncertain and I’m not exactly sure if a thing is God’s perfect will and whether He’s going to work it out or not, I’ve learned to pray this prayer: “Father God, whatever happens, Lord, You’re still in charge and You’re still God, and if things don’t work out just the way I expect or the way I hoped or the way I was driving or pushing for, if that’s not what You want me to do, if You have some other idea and You’re going to accomplish something maybe even better, or maybe teach me a lesson I need to learn, or whatever Your purpose is, Lord help me to just do what You want me to do!–‘Not my will but Thy will be done!'”–Luke 22:42

The reality is God is sovereign and ultimately we will do what God has ordained us to do and commissioned us to do, whatever it is! In Exodus 19 we find the Israelites chillin in the wildness at Sinai. In verse 3 the bible says Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God and God spoke to Moses these words found in verses 4-6, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”

Although their commitment was short lived , the men and women responded in verse 8 the following, “We will do everything the LORD has commanded…”

Had the people maintained their assurance in God when times got tough and did exactly as God had commanded perhaps that entire generation would have made it to the promise land and experienced the unexpected joy that was prepared for them while they were chillin in the wilderness.

Brothers and Sisters, Nehemiah reminds us in cho 8 verse 10, “The joy of the Lord is our strength” and when we choose to wait on God’s timing and trust in the finish work of the cross, we will receive from God the gift of unexpected joy.

So, if you have lost your joy this season, or life has dumped its worst on you, turn to God. I can tell you with 100% certainty that He sees you and is already coming to help you, He will hear you when no one else does, and He loves you beyond what you can imagine. Trust Him. He will be there for you, delivering joy in unexpected ways.

The joy of the Lord is my strength simply means that having faith in God’s promises gives strength to those battling adversities. It is God’s promise for a brighter future which gives us inner peace and joy, because we know He never fails to keep His promises.