SPEAKER_00: When was the last time you felt joy?
SPEAKER_00: Think on it for a moment.
SPEAKER_00: What did it feel like?
SPEAKER_00: Can you see Jesus in it?
SPEAKER_00: Rehearse that moment and picture it in your mind.
SPEAKER_00: Sometimes when life feels heavy, joy may feel impossible.
SPEAKER_00: But Scripture tells us that joy is not weakness.
SPEAKER_00: It's strength given by God.
SPEAKER_00: Listen to Nehemiah 8.10.
SPEAKER_00: Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
SPEAKER_00: Take 15 seconds to thank God that his joy strengthens you when you feel worn down or discouraged.
SPEAKER_00: Now take some time to ask God to replace heaviness with strength today.
SPEAKER_00: Picture the very thing that is weighing you down and actually pick it up.
SPEAKER_00: Move it aside and ask Jesus to fill that empty space with this strength and his joy.
SPEAKER_00: Repeat after me, God, I can't do this on my own.
SPEAKER_00: I need your help.
SPEAKER_00: You are my source of strength.
SPEAKER_00: You are my source of joy.
SPEAKER_00: I trust you, God.
SPEAKER_00: Let those words ring in our ears and say them again.
SPEAKER_00: Your joy is my strength.
SPEAKER_00: Exhale, I trust you, God.
SPEAKER_00: Lord, thank you that your joy carries us when we are weak.
SPEAKER_00: We lean on you today.
SPEAKER_00: Amen.