Joy Doesn’t Depend on Your To-Do List

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

Joy is not the same as cheerfulness. Cheerfulness is what you paste on when Aunt Shirley asks why you’re still not using cloth napkins.

Joy runs deeper.

It’s not about things going perfectly. It’s about God being present.

When the angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy,” the shepherds were still out in the dark, still under Roman rule, still living regular lives. Nothing had changed… except Jesus was now here.

Your circumstances may not magically shift this season. But joy isn’t waiting for things to get tidy. Joy is the presence of the One who came for you.

Apply it: Name three “small joys” today—things that remind you God is close.