Isaiah 35:1-10 is a whole chapter of how God is going to redeem His people and the people will be restored and will shout for joy. 

Today the world is full of stress and uncertainty. However, joy stands out as a powerful virtue that we are called to embrace. Unlike happiness that is tied to circumstances, true joy is different. True joy can be found in our relationship with God. The Prophet Isaiah writes, “Then the eyes of those who are blind will be opened, and the ears of those who are deaf will be unstopped. Then those who limp will leap like a deer, and the tongue of those who cannot speak will shout for joy.” (35:5-6; NASB). This joy is not made by human hands because it's a gift from the Holy Spirit, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

Consider how joy acts as a strength in tough moments. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." When the Israelites rebuilt Jerusalem's walls with opposition, they found strength in God's joy to overcome. Similarly, James 1:2 encourages us to "consider it pure joy" when facing trials, because they build endurance and maturity in our faith. Joy changes our focus from problems to God's promises, like in Psalm 16:11, where David declares, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence."

Building our joy as a virtue means making the choice of gratitude daily, praising God even when life is tough. It is contagious and will brighten dark days and draw people to Christ. 

Amen.            Pastor Andrew