The JOY of the Lord IS our strength!

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s filled with ingredients that will give you strength!

            One of the verses that is often quoted about “joy” is found in Nehemiah 8:10: "The joy of the LORD is your strength."  This is a good source of encouragement to share with others in a time when they need emotional strength.  But let’s not misuse this verse as a simple platitude for those who are hurting. Just quoting it doesn’t fix a broken heart or instantly fill the void caused by loss.  To understand the truth of this scripture, let’s look at its context, the writer and who he was speaking to.

Much of the book of Nehemiah was written in the first person, suggesting, of course, that Nehemiah was the author. Ezra, however, most likely served as the editor-in-chief! This book records the history of the third return to Jerusalem after captivity, telling how the walls were rebuilt and the people were renewed in their faith---according to my Bible footnote!

In chapter 8 we see that the people were weeping openly as the laws of God were being read.  They realized how disobedient they had been.  But Ezra encouraged them to be filled with joy because the day was holy and it was a time to give gifts to those in need.

Each of us needs to search our heart and life to see where we are failing to be obedient.  Let’s cry out for forgiveness and ask Him to give us a spirit of renewal.  As Ezra and Nehemiah tell us: it is in following God and giving to others that we find JOY.

Yes, the JOY of the Lord is our strength, but we must be diligent in following after Him and being obedient to His instruction.