The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

Speaker: Lead Pastor Dustin Aguilar

Scripture:
Nehemiah 8:10, (Is 62:5b), Zeph 3:17, Heb 12:2, John 15:11
#2 Prov 10:29, Ps 31:4, Dan 11:7, Is 30:3, Ps 60:7
#3 Genesis 6:6, Is 53:3, Rom 12:15, Matt 5:4, Ecc 7:3

What to Believe

3 Questions

1. Who feels the joy of the Lord? The Lord or man?

2. What is the meaning of strength?

3. Is it ever OK to grieve? 

1. Who feels the joy of the Lord? The Lord or man?

Is. 62:5b — God rejoices over you, as a bridegroom over a bride.

Zep 3:17 — God rejoices over you with gladness. God feels joy & is motivated by [unclear].

Heb 12:2; John 15:11 — That my joy may be in you and your joy may be full. Both God & we feel the joy.

God feels joy towards his people. God wants that joy to be in us, so that we can have fullness of joy.

2. Meaning of Strength — fortress, refuge, stronghold (mountain?) — (not just personal

Strength, but also connected to having a stronghold). The joy of the LORD is your stronghold.

The Joy of the Lord is our strength, protection, stronghold, refuge. 

3. Ok to Grieve? — Grief has its purpose.

Genesis 6:6 — God is grieved by the sinfulness [of man]. Is. 53:3 — Jesus

acquainted with grief (about sin) You can grieve sin. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 

Good grief:

1) Godly grief — sin

2) Christ-like — grieving when others grieve

3) Grieving sadness — Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

(Authentic grief & showing it is good; God is not offended by grief.)

4) Real, but unconnected to actual events in your life.

God is not offended at our grief.

How to Obey

If you come to him with your sorrow, He is able and willing to comfort you.

How to Walk Intimately with God

Pray:

1. God teach me your joy

2. God help me feel your strength & your stronghold