“…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10b
In the book of Nehemiah we read that Ezra was sharing with the Israelites about God’s law. The people had drifted away and were not following the commands of God. As Ezra read and explained the laws of God to them, the people were so moved that they fell down and worshipped. They cried and repented of their sins and humbled themselves before God. The people were sad that they had failed God in so many ways.
But, then Nehemiah, Ezra, and Levites continued by telling the people not be sad. Instead they told them to rejoice because this was a ‘sacred” day to the Lord! They were encouraged to be happy and celebrate with a great meal because now they understood the words that had been read to them. Nehemiah 8:12
The Bible tells us that even the angels rejoice when just one sinner repents and comes to the Lord. (See Luke 15:7 and 10)) Jesus prayed that His disciples would have the full measure of His joy within them. (John 17:13) and also in John 15:11 Jesus speaks of giving His joy to the disciples.
When we are in a right relationship with the Lord, we find this joy. A joy that is ‘inexpressible and glorious”. (1 Peter 1:8) A joy that brings peace and contentment. A joy that fills us with hope; and a joy that causes us to want to share it with others.
Thank you, Lord, that we can receive Your joy and be strengthened by it day by day.