The Joy of the Lord

Nehemiah 8:10 ESV

“Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The Jewish people had just come from exile; they were exiles because of their blatant disobedience and sins against God and His laws. They had just rebuilt Jerusalem walls back up in record time. The wall wasn’t pretty because they had to use old rubble, but it was effective in showing the surrounding communities that God’s people were back. Then, Ezra stood up to read the book of the law to the people and when they heard the words of the law, they were painfully aware that their sins had caused their time in exile. They grieved because they had sinned and disobeyed God. However, in their repentance God wanted them to rejoice, not grovel in guilt. They came to understand God’s Word and the fact that He was forgiving them. God wanted them to rejoice, so that their strength would be renewed and their sorrow would turn into joy. 

Prayer:

Lord, we know that we live under Your grace and mercy not under the law. We know that we are not perfect, but you are our only hope and redeemer and you forgive us. You never want us to stay in the moments of failure, You want us to keep moving forward in You and through You. Knowing that we have been restored gives us joy and that joy is our strength from You. In Your name Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!