Many of you have heard the verse from the Bible found in Nehemiah 8:10, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Sounds funny right? How can joy bring strength, even if it is from the Lord?
Well, to really understand, we have to know what was going on in the life of Nehemiah. He had been given permission by the king that he worked for to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city. Jerusalem’s enemies were spending lots of time harassing Nehemiah and the men with him. As the building process was nearing completion, the leaders of these opposing factions wanted to meet with Nehemiah. He saw through their charade and knew they wanted to harm him, so he refused. Their purpose was to halt the building process, but Nehemiah asked the Lord to strengthen his hands to finish the job. (Nehemiah 6:9)
There were also prophets and other important people in Jerusalem who were trying to deceive Nehemiah because they were working for the enemies of Israel. But Nehemiah did not listen to anyone but the voice of God, and so he finished building the wall.
Once done, a census was taken and then they gathered together to hear the reading of the law of Moses. Everyone who could understand, men, women and children listened that day. And when they heard and understood it, they all wept because of what they heard. But Nehemiah, and Ezra the scribe, told them NOT to weep or mourn for the day was a holy day, dedicated to the Lord. Then Nehemiah said to eat and drink and share with others. He ordered them NOT to grieve because the joy of the Lord was their strength!
And so they went away rejoicing!
Are your times with the Lord times of sadness because of your need for repentance or times of JOY because you see and receive God’s goodness, favor and grace? As God’s children, we will never be strong without God. Because of His words, His gifts and His provision through Jesus, we are free from all that would keep us from God. Therefore, we can rejoice and know that His strength is ours. His joy, the joy that we have knowing that Jesus paid it all, gives us strength. Not just the strength to go on, but the strength to move mountains!
So the next time you feel sad, take that thought captive according to II Corinthians 10:5, and turn your sorrow into joy… on purpose! Let everyone know that you stand in the strength of God, knowing that He’s got it covered, and rejoice! Dance, sing, laugh and leap for joy… the Lord’s joy is your strength!
And that’s what I believe…