"Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our LORD.  Do not grieve, for the 'JOY' of the LORD is your strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

Today, being Monday, the first busy day of your week, we pray that you get your 'JOY' ON and praise the LORD with us, the whole week long!

The people had just gone through a time of rededication to the LORD and the honoring of HIS Word throughout their Nation and in their personal lives.  They had all repented of their sins before the LORD and now it was no longer a time of grieving, but rejoicing, and experiencing GOD'S 'JOY!

The 'JOY' of the LORD is not the 'JOY' of the LORD if not experienced.  HIS 'JOY' is not a thing in your mind like a concept, it is an experience that floods your soul.  HIS 'JOY' overtakes you, causing change outwardly from within you.   When you have been experiencing HIS 'JOY', you have to let it out, let others see your 'JOY' by looking at your face.  

When in Seminary, I was taught that 'JOY' was biblical but  the experience was not to be outwardly expressed.  If you as a Christian walked around smiling all the time, well, that would cheapen the seriousness of your faith.  Every time the subject came up, I would sit in my chair with a huge smile on my face.

Everyday,  go out and experience the 'JOY' of the LORD wherever you go in the world. Praise the goodness and greatness of your LORD JESUS CHRIST!  HE has filled your heart with HIS 'JOY'!  Today and everyday, live your life in the 'JOY' of the LORD!