Joy in the life of a believer is not only fun; it is a necessity. Take to heart the words of Nehemiah: “. . . for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (8:10). 

For all those times I know the joy of the Lord through His body and blood, which I receive at His altar, or through the comforting presence of His Spirit, I ditto what Nehemiah said: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” In times of trouble, joy gives strength. In times of temptation, joy gives strength. It is the absence of joy that makes us weak. 

 “Celebration heartily done makes our deprivations and sorrows seem small, and we find in it great strength to do the will of our God because his goodness becomes so real to us” (Willard, p. 181). 

It is very basic when we delight in God as our greatest joy. Sinful actions are not as appealing or attractive. There is strength in that joy. Don’t get me wrong. Temptations are still attractive. They are just not as attractive. It only follows that where there is a heart of joy, it will seek the opportunity to celebrate. 
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