Day 17

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10 — “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Clip: Healing by the pool

Reflection:

For 38 years, the man at the pool had no joy; he only had his mat. His weakness was his identity. He was defined by his inability. The joy of the Lord became his strength when he obeyed a command that seemed impossible. The joy wasn’t a feeling that preceded the action; it was the power to do the action. Our strength is not in our own resolve; it is in the joy of hearing Jesus speak an enabling word into our most chronic weakness.

Prayer:

Jesus, I have been lying by my “pool” for a long time. My weakness has become my identity. I am too weak to find joy. Speak Your word into my paralysis. Ask me, “Do you want to be well?” And when You command me to “get up,” let the joy of Your command be the strength I need to obey.

Practice:

When fatigue or discouragement tempts you today, pause and recall one reason for joy — and let it renew your heart.

From the Catechism (CCC):
“Joy is the sweetness of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.” (CCC 1832)

From YOUCAT:
“Joy flows from faith and hope, and enriches the Christian life.” (YOUCAT 302)