John Hagee (November-14-2024) Daily Devotional: Nehemiah 8:10. - Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
When we face various hardships, it does not mean that the Lord no longer loves us. In this life, troubles just mean that we are breathing!
Anything in this world that is worth possessing requires a struggle to lay hold of it. Behind every prosperous business, someone strived to succeed. Every great church has overcome obstacles of all sorts. Every loving couple has contended for their marriage. Every believer has fought the good fight of faith.
While we prefer the easier route – the road most traveled – God understands that the struggle is where we get the strength to grasp the blessing. Building spiritual muscle helps us gain the power to hold onto the things that God has promised us. And this is not a stress-free workout!
In the middle of the circumstances where we find ourselves, when we offer up praise and thanksgiving, the Lord makes that place His address. And when He arrives, He brings joy with Him. He gives us beauty for ashes and dancing for mourning.
When we lift up our thanks before the victory is won, we are not denying the reality of our situation; we are telling the situation about the reality of our great, big God! So, go ahead! Sing to Him in the middle of the storm. His joy becomes our strength even as the struggle is making us stronger.
Today's Blessing: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May our loving Father protect you in the time of trouble and surround you with songs of deliverance. Selah!
Today's Bible Reading:
- Old Testament - Ezekiel 29:1-30:26
- New Testament - Hebrews 12:1-13
- Psalms & Proverbs - Psalm 112:1-10, Proverbs 27:17-18
