Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

- Nehemiah 8:10

As Americans, the Declaration of Independence tells us we have certain unalienable rights which include the pursuit of happiness. But as Christians, our greatest happiness will be found in the Lord. For “happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” We find happiness when we come to the Scriptures for “the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” We find happiness when the Lord leads us to make the right decision for “happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” Peter wrote that even when we “suffer for the sake of righteousness”, or if we “are reviled for the name of Christ”, we can be “glad also with exceeding joy.” When the Apostles were beaten for preaching Christ they did not grieve but went out “rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Here in America, opposition continues to grow toward our Christian faith, but do not be grieved. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Be encouraged!

References: Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 146:5 KJV; Psalm 19:8 KJV; Romans 14:22; 1 Peter 3:14, 4:13-14; Acts 5:41