Joy as Strength

Sunday, August 24, 2025

The Rev. Amy Barlak Aspey (she/her)

Lead Pastor, Short North Church

Allied Christian

For over a decade, “Aunt Amy Camp” has become a favorite summer tradition. This is a time for our nieces and nephews to come visit my husband, Ryan, and I by themselves (or with another sibling) and make memories together. An unexpected gift is that Ryan and I find ourselves enjoying things we would never have chosen.

When two of our nieces selected Zoombezi Bay, a waterpark at the Columbus Zoo, as their activity; I was skeptical. But, as we zipped down the slides, water splashing everywhere, and all of us shrieking in delight, I was overcome by a deep sense of joy. Why are adults often hesitant about connecting with joy? Joy is nourishing. After several hours, our bodies were tired, but joy kept us climbing the steps for one more slide.

The prophet Nehemiah talks about “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Only God, the Source of Joy, could dream up something as wonderful as joy being a source of strength. Experiences of undeniable joy remind us of the importance of joy as a spiritual practice, where every day, we connect with Unlimited Joy to allow God’s love to nurture us.

Joy is a birthright, gifted to all of God’s children. Joy can’t be stolen or legislated. Joy is available anywhere that God is, which is everywhere. Joy is a divine blessing that is often in plain sight just waiting to be experienced.

Tapping into The Source of Joy reminds us that we are profoundly loved and never alone. Joy doesn’t erase difficult things; it does offer strength to keep going.

Reflection

What brings you joy? (What delighted us as children often has something to teach us.)

Action

Make time for joy every day and may The Source of Joy be your strength.