Are you unhappy, worried, oppressed, weighed down, or  anxious? This is understandable and normal if you are not a Believer in Yeshua and a serious follower. Moreover, even Believers can fall under the oppression of the enemy from time to time. In Pilgrims Progress Christian and Hopeful became captive to the giant of Doubting Castle until they realized the key of faith unlocks all doors. It’s and allegory, but based firmly on scripture. The Joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) Joy is in the Lord is ours for the asking. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart. Everything we want and need comes from the Lord. He is our only source for salvation and eternal life, but also for life abundant. This is not a message about prosperity or ease, which will not guarantee happiness or freedom from anxiety. 

I’m writing this as I have be under a cloud of oppression and I’m tired of bearing loads of the past, wrong expectations, worldly concerns and rationalization opposed to scripture, but seemingly grounded in worldly reality. I looked up and realized I was entitled to the joy of the Lord. The Bible is full of examples and illustrations of Believers who experienced the joy of the Lord in all sorts of circumstances. My peace, state of mind, and abiding joy are not dependent upon circumstances, especially those of our own efforts, but on Yeshua Messiah.

Paul and Silas were rejoicing and singing praises in jail after being falsely and unjustly arrested. (Acts 16:22-34) The Joy of the Lord has nothing to do with our rights or circumstances. Two Believers traveling to Emmaus encountered the risen Lord Yeshua (Jesus’ Hebrew name) and remarked afterward, “How our hearts burned as He opened the scriptures.” (Luke 24:13-32). The presence of the Lord and His voice to us, sets our heart aflame with joy and insight. Another important illustration was a father who brought his son who was possessed by a spirit that tormented the child from birth. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22-24) We need Yeshua and He is willing to help us, even to overcome our doubts. We receive Joy from Him; it’s not a mind trick which we produce in our own strength. Seek Him in faith; rejoice in the Lord and He will give you Joy.