Nehemiah 8:10
‘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.’

DAILY READING – Romans 15:14-33; 1 Samuel 29-31; Psalm 71
According to Nehemiah 8:10, the Joy of The Lord is indeed our Strength. Joy is not the absence of challenges, it is the reality of the presence and faithfulness of God, even in the midst of the challenges. Joy can be likened to a candle. You light it when it seems you are surrounded by darkness.
When Paul and Silas were surrounded by darkness, at the midnight hour, they sang praises God. Even while in chains and stocks, they were giving glory to God joyfully! Abraham gave glory to God in the midst of his circumstances. He was strong in faith, giving glory to God!
Joseph was joyful in the midst of imprisonment, he even went about encouraging other prisoners. And we know what happened to all of them, God brought deliverance to each and every one of them. Whenever you give God glory in the midst of your troubles, He is sure to establish your miracle.

On the morning of October 31, 2003, a young Christian girl, Brittany Hamilton suffered a shock. She was training to be a professional surfer, and had gone out to surf at the beach with her friends. While lying in the water on her board, she was suddenly attacked by a shark. In a flurry, the shack bit off her left arm. She was immediately rushed to the hospital. Although she lost approximately 60 percent of her blood and underwent several surgeries, she was stabilized and released after a few days. Yet, despite what happened Brittany remained cheerful and kept trusting God. She held on to her faith in God and determined to continue her surfing career even with only one arm. Just one month after the attack, she went back to surfing. Two years later she won the Explorer Women’s division at the 2005 National Championships. She would go on to win in other surfing competitions. Her determination drew media attention. Her story was captured in a book which became a bestseller. And the book was later made into a successful movie. Today Brittany has become a celebrity and a great encouragement to people all around the world. She realizes that though the enemy meant to destroy her with the shark attack, God used it rather to propel her to the world stage.
God never brings evil or tempts any man, but even when the enemy attacks, God can still turn it all around for us. This is why we should keep celebrating Him. As long as we keep praising Him, we can be sure that all things will work out for our good. God is able to turn our stumbling stones into stepping blocks, turn the test into a testimony and turn our mourning into dancing. Many times the stumbling blocks the enemy throws your way is an attempt to turn you against God, to make you think God is not at work in your life. But you have to come to the point where you settle it forever in your mind that God is always good. When you get to that point no matter what comes your way, you will keep judging God faithful. You will keep seeing Him working out everything for your good. This is what moves God to your favor. Murmuring or complaining angers God, and only worsens the situation. Like a wise man said ‘if you have lost anything, God is the reason why you have not lost everything’. And that is indeed true. In the story of Brittany Hamilton she kept thanking God for the remaining arm, even going ahead to use it to His glory, and God honored her. From an unknown youth, God turned her into a generational icon and a world celebrity.
The bible says in everything we should give thanks. Praise is an expression of love for God, and the Bible says all things work together for those that love God. So do you love Him? Then keep praising Him and you can be sure He is working it all out. Keep praising God in the midst of your situation. Joy Unspeakable, Means Joy Inexplainable! You don’t have to understand or be able explain it, but just keep praising God despite what may come your way, and He will surely establish your miracle in Jesus Name.

PRAYER: Lord, let the oil of your joy never run dry in my life. In every situation, may I keep praising and blessing You, because you are indeed faithful, and I know even right now, my miracle is on the way, and my victory is sure in Jesus Name.

QUOTE
When you praise God despite your situation power is released for a raise. – WORDBITE 222.
[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE]