“Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”Nehemiah 8:10(b) As we sat together in the prayer room, I looked around at the faces of those who were praying. Some appeared to be cheerful before the Lord as they prayed and rejoiced before their King. Others, however, were somber and appeared to be fatigued. It was only Tuesday evening, yet these dear ones seemed overloaded and weary. I noticed wrinkled brows and bloodshot eyes.
I prayed, “Lord, lift these heads. Lift these hearts. Lift these heavy loads and restore garments of praise for spirits of heaviness.”
Suddenly, I had a vivid impression in my mind’s eye of the Lord Jesus, sitting high upon a high rock looking down on us as we prayed. And he was smiling!
Jesus is called the Rock of our Salvation. He has overcome the enemy of our souls and is enthroned in glory, power and joy. He made a spectacle of Satan when he triumphed over him at the cross. By his death and resurrection, Jesus brought us life and peace. He is our immovable foundation when we are tossed about in the gale-force winds of life. By the Holy Spirit, he gives us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and selfcontrol. In Gethsemane, for the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross and saw himself exalted at the right hand of God. Jesus is smiling at you today. The joy of Jesus is the source of your strength that you may face the weariness of life.
Come to Jesus if you’re feeling weary and overloaded. If you feel overcome by the burden of responsibility and the load of labor, come and rest at the feet of Jesus. His joy is your strength. Indeed, something to smile about.