“The joy of the Lord is my strength” is a familiar line. There are numerous songs based on it. We use it to encourage ourselves and others. But what does it really mean? Where do we get it from? What is “the joy of the Lord?” What does the joy of the Lord do to provide strength? What is this strength that it is talking about?
The joy of the Lord is foundational in a relationship with God.
The term “the joy of the Lord is my strength” is found in Nehemiah 8:10. It’s after the children of Israel returned to Jerusalem from exile. They were listening to the law being read, were overcome with condemnation, and were weeping.
The scripture reads: "Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Similarly, Philippians 4:4 tells us: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
What Is the Joy of the Lord?
When Ezra was reading the law to the people it produced sorrow because their lives and behavior were not in alignment with the law. But instead of being rebuked and condemned, Nehemiah and Ezra instructed them to celebrate because of “the joy of the Lord.” Why would the Lord have joy when they were “a bunch of sinners?”
The children of Israel were never known for their perfect behavior. They were known for being the people of God. They were His. He loved them. His people had been separated from Him in exile for years and were finally reunited to Him. God had His beloved people back — why would He not have joy?
The "joy of the Lord" mentioned in Nehemiah 8:10 is all about the deep and lasting joy that comes from knowing God and being in relationship with Him. When the Israelites heard the Law and realized their sins, they were heartbroken, but Nehemiah reminded them to celebrate instead. Why? Because God’s joy in His people—His love, grace, and delight in restoring them—was their strength. This isn’t about fleeting happiness; it’s a steady, unshakable joy rooted in God’s faithfulness and goodness. It’s the kind of joy that lifts us when we’re weak and reminds us that no matter what we face, we belong to a God who is for us.
This type of contentment also refers to the joy that comes from knowing and trusting God. This isn’t a fleeting happiness based on circumstances but a deep, abiding sense of peace and contentment rooted in God’s character and promises. The Israelites were reminded that their joy didn’t come from their performance or perfection but from their covenant relationship with God.
In Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories, known as parables, of things lost and then found: a sheep, a coin, and a son. All three end with rejoicing when what was lost was found. God’s joy is in the reconnection or union.
Bible Verses about Joy
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. ~ Romans 15:13
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. ~ Philippians 4:4
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 14:17
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. ~ John 15:11
How Does the Joy of the Lord Provide Strength?
The children of Israel mourned due to their failure to uphold the law. They felt hopelessly separated from God. But God is love and the Bible tells us that love covers a multitude of sins.
The joy of the Lord gives us strength to reach for God’s provision of love and salvation. It shifts our focus from ourselves and our failures to God’s faithfulness and sufficiency. When we are weak, weary, or burdened, joy in the Lord becomes a source of spiritual, emotional, and even physical strength. It enables us to persevere, trust, and celebrate even in difficult times.The joy of the Lord gives us strength to keep going, hope for tomorrow, and a reason to celebrate even in tough times.
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs (Zephaniah 3:17).
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11).
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).
What Is This Strength?
The strength that God provides us with is His grace. Hebrews 4:16 beautifully invites us to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Think about that—God not only allows us to come to Him, but He welcomes us boldly, like a loving Father who’s always ready to help.
To each one of us grace has been given (Ephesians 4:7).
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son (Ephesians 1:6).
Because we feel connected to God and loved by Him it gives us the confidence and boldness to approach Him to “find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). And the grace that He provides is enough for everything in our lives.
His grace meets us in our weakest places, in the struggles we don’t always talk about, and in the situations that feel too overwhelming to handle. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God promises, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It’s not about us being strong enough on our own—it’s about relying on Him.
God’s grace covers every area of our lives. It strengthens us when we feel like giving up, it restores us when we’ve failed, and it empowers us to step forward in faith even when we’re afraid. It’s not just a one-time gift; it’s an ongoing, overflowing source of strength and love that we can draw from every single day. No matter what our past holds, we have a present and future joy because of the strength we have through grace.
Living Fully Alive with the Joy of the Lord
“The joy of the Lord is our strength” becomes fully alive in our lives when we embrace the gift of righteousness through God’s grace. It’s through His grace that we are made right with Him, not by anything we’ve done, but by what Jesus has already accomplished for us. This gift reunites us with God, allowing us to experience the fullness of His presence—a presence that fills us with unshakable joy.
Living out the joy of the Lord starts with staying connected to Him. Joy isn’t about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about trusting that God is with us, no matter the circumstances. When we lean into His grace, we can face challenges with hope, knowing that His joy strengthens us in our weakness. It’s a daily choice to seek Him, whether through prayer, reading His Word, or simply pausing to thank Him for His goodness.
Another way to live out this joy is to let it overflow into the lives of others. When we’re filled with God’s joy, it becomes contagious—through encouraging words, acts of kindness, or sharing the hope we’ve found in Christ. This joy isn’t just for us; it’s a testimony to those around us of the strength and peace that come from walking with God.
Here’s a prayer to help center your heart on His joy:
A Prayer to Live in the Joy of the Lord
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Your grace that makes me right with You and for the joy that comes from being in Your presence. Help me to live each day rooted in that joy, trusting in Your strength even when life feels overwhelming. Remind me that my joy isn’t dependent on my circumstances but on who You are and what You’ve done for me.
Fill my heart with gratitude for Your faithfulness, and let that joy overflow into the lives of those around me. Teach me to seek You first and to rely on Your strength in all things. Thank You for the unshakable joy that comes from knowing I am loved, forgiven, and held by You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
…those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:17).
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence (Acts 2:28).
Find inspiration with 15 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know By Heart HERE for you to download or share with loved ones!
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Danielle Bernock is an international, award-winning author, coach, and speaker who helps people embrace their value and heal their souls through the power of the love of God. She’s written Emerging With Wings, A Bird Named Payn, Love’s Manifesto, Because You Matter, and hosts the Victorious Souls Podcast. A long-time follower of Christ, Danielle lives with her husband in Michigan near her adult children and grandchildren. For more information or to connect with Danielle https://www.daniellebernock.com/