Purpose Study Bible 361: Pay Attention to Your Joy

After the wall was complete, the leaders assembled the people and read the Law, which had been neglected for a long period of time. When the people heard the Word, they wept, but Nehemiah advised them,

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

This helps explain why joy is so important in your purpose. When you are doing what God created you to do, there is often a joy that provides strength to continue, even when the work itself is difficult. Not everything connected with your purpose will be enjoyable, but there should be a deep sense of satisfaction and joy that comes from being who God created you to be and doing what He created you to do.

The writer of Hebrews even connects anointing and joy when describing Jesus:

“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (Hebrews 1:9).

There is something worth considering in that connection. When you are functioning according to God's design, His presence and power can produce a joy that isn't dependent on everything being easy or pleasant.

What do you do that brings you the greatest joy? What do you do that seems to produce your most effective, even “anointed,” results? What are you doing now that is not a source of joy for you?

Pay attention to your joy. It can be an important clue to what you were created to do, especially when that joy accompanies fruitful service to others. Your purpose isn't meant to be a hobby or an occasional occurrence, but something that helps direct your life and work. When you function according to God's design and He partners with your efforts, you can experience a joy and strength that your own efforts alone cannot produce.