THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH
Sunday – January 11, 2026
Video link: https://youtu.be/90wS4Eycgzk
Greetings and welcome back to this ongoing study of “The Kingdom of God”. Describing the Kingdom of God and how it functioned was the central theme of Jesus’ Ministry in the earth and continues today through us. He talked about how it was structured, how it functioned, the benefits to those who received this Kingdom of God life, and the benefits for those administering the Kingdom of God. Let’s move now to our anchor Scripture and then to our teaching Scripture for today.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Again, we see that it is a command from our King and Lord to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness or His way of doing. The Kingdom way of doing includes how we think, how we talk, and how we do and live which produces wholeness in every area of life. I am returning once again today to the Romans 14:17 Scripture that we have been dealing with for four teachings.
Romans 14:17 (ESV)
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Over the last few teachings, we have dealt with righteousness and peace. Today I will deal with joy. Remember that all three of these are singular in number and feminine in gender. First a little review. You will remember that righteousness is not only right standing with the Father, which is a condition (in Christ Jesus) He finds acceptable. This occurs with salvation.
Next is right doing. Doing does not maintain salvation, but it does affect our fruitfulness in the Kingdom in the earth. The Lord expects us to walk, live, like Him with integrity, excellence, purity, thinking, speaking, feeling, and living in accordance with the Word of God.
We discussed peace, Bible peace, peace with and from God. This peace is far more than a tranquil feeling, it is security, safety, prosperity, happiness, provision, wholeness, and one with God. Wow, what a deal! Now, on to joy.
You will recall that joy is one of the fruit of God’s Spirit and is also a fruit of our spirit which is given of God through Adam. Joy can be defined as a calm delight. When we know who He is and who we are in Him we cannot help but be filled with joy. It can also mean to be well off. I think we all know what that is, even the poverty teaching part of the body of Christ. This joy from our text is a fruit of knowledge if you will. Now, let’s go to what for many will be a very familiar Scripture.
Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
The question, at least in my mind was how can the Lord having joy be my strength? For insight into that question let’s go back a verse.
Nehemiah 8:9 (ESV)
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.
This people came with ears to hear the Word of the Lord, they received it, believed it, and repented because they were not walking in it. This is what must happen for the Church corporately and individually to turn this culture, the seven mountains around. Our repentance brings joy to the Lord. When the Lord is pleased with us, when we are walking in line with His ways His Power is free to flow in and through us. Our weakness in the flesh is turned to His strength in the spirit, and all things are possible WITH Him.
TAKE HOME:
- Right standing with the Father through and in Christ Jesus the only door to the Kingdom of God.
- Right doing according to the King determines how much of Kingdom life we enjoy.
- The peace of God is huge. It is security, safety, prosperity, happiness, provision, wholeness, and being one with God in the Holy Spirit.
- The joy of the Lord results from right standing and doing and allows the Power of God to flow in and through us for Kingdom work.
Lord willing, I will resume right here next Saturday. Remember, we love you, the Lord loves you, and there is nothing you can do about either one.
By: Dr. David R. Wood, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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