God created us in his likeness and is deeply concerned for our welfare. In addition to having a physical body and soul, each of us also have a spiritual being. (See I Thessalonians 5:23.) Why take care of your body but neglect the most important dimension of your being?

Let’s go to God’s pharmacy and learn from God’s Word about the “drug” of choice that will result in vigorous spiritual health and also enhance your mental and physical health. (III John 2.) Try this drug of choice, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22 NASV). A joyful inner being brings soundness to the whole person. A crushed, bitter, or anxious spirit has the opposite affect. A joyless spirit makes life weary and dreary. God wants us to soar like an eagle. (See Isaiah 40:8, 29-31.)

God has a divine prescription. “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). The cure God offers is the joy of the Lord. Real joy does not depend on “happenstance” or feelings that change. It is a deep inner delight in God that only the Holy Spirit can produce. The joy of the Lord is more than medicine or a drug. It is our strength.

How do we obtain the joy of the Lord? First – RECEIVE FROM THE WELL OF SALVATION. “Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:1-4). Jesus is the living water that satisfies the soul and gives everlasting life. (See John 4:1-29.) Sin separates, but the Savior saves and satisfies.

In 13th century Italy a sinner was saved to become a lover of Jesus Christ and became known as St Francis of Assisi. Listen to what he said, “The devil, that evil serpent, is most happy when he can ruin our joy; for the joy that comes from God is like an armor that surrounds and protects the very life of your spirit and mind. (See Zephaniah 3:17.)

“The devil carries with him poisonous grit, which he throws at us and it settles over us like a cloud of dust, seeking to penetrate our armor. This “grit” is composed of doubts, accusations against us. If we are not on our guard this grit will destroy the good, clear conscience God has granted us. (See I John 1:7.) But God, who is patient and wise and good, will come to our assistance. And He will convict us of our true sin. We should be relieved about this, for then our heartfelt tears will flush out the devil’s mess. It will cleanse us in heart and restore our joy – which comes in knowing we may stand before God, in His light, forgiven.” (From A Day In Your Presence – Francis of Assisi by David Hazard.)

Second – RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD BRINGS JOY. George Mueller, a spiritual giant of faith who trusted God to feed and care for thousands of orphans in the 19th century, said that he couldn’t safely start a new day without first being “happy in God”. He found this happiness by starting every day with prayer and meditation on scripture. Jesus invites you to have a deep, joyful relationship with Him. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and sup with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Invite Christ into your heart today.

Third – REJOICE ALWAYS. The Apostle Paul wrote from a prison cell, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Some who claim to be Christians look like they’ve been baptized in lemon juice. Someone said that they should be sued for false advertising. Spirit-filled believers will have joy. (See Romans 14:17 and Ephesians 5:18-20.) We can choose to murmur and complain or rejoice and give thanks. God gave a commandment to rejoice in everything we do. (See Deuteronomy 12:18.) Our attitude will turn the valve of joy on or off. I like the prophet’s determination to be joyful in God His Savior regardless of circumstances. (See Habakkuk 3:17-18.)

Fourth – REAFFIRM YOUR FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD. George Mueller learned valuable secrets about faith in God during trying circumstances. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him” (Romans 15:13). Trust and joylessness cannot live together. To walk by faith we must have a daily spirit of joy in the Lord.

My grandmother went through the Great Depression as a divorced, single mother raising four children and tending a farm. But she was seldom depressed. Perhaps because she always sang or whistled her favorite hymn as she worked – “Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”

Some have a drug of choice, but only Jesus can give you true lasting joy. Is the joy of the Lord your strength? Receive Him now as your Savior and Lord.