Have you had your JOY JUICE today? It’s filled with ingredients that will give us
strength!
One of
the verses often quoted about “joy” is found in Nehemiah 8:10: “The
joy of the LORD is your strength.” It’s good source of encouragement to share
with others when they need emotional strength.
But let’s not misuse this verse as a simple platitude for those who are
hurting. Simply quoting it doesn’t fix a broken heart or instantly fill the void
caused by loss. To understand the intent
of this scripture, let’s look at its context, the writer and to whom he was
speaking.
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.
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 has been disobedient. Let’s cry out for forgiveness and ask God 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.
"The JOY of the Lord is our strength." Let’s be diligent in following
after Him and seeking to be obedient to His instruction.
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