Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV)
What does “the joy of the Lord” mean to you? Do you live in it – regardless of your surroundings?
The Israelites were living in difficult circumstances, yet, Nehemiah acknowledged the holiness of the day in which they lived (The Feast of Tabernacles). He told his people to be joyful, celebrate and share with others.
On occasion, we likely all come face to face with situations that feel like never-ending uphill battles. I suspect that is how the Israelites were feeling when Nehemiah said these words to them. They had endured through much opposition as they set to the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Then, settling in there after the walls were rebuilt.
Have you ever had that feeling and thought, “what’s the use?”
There is a very important lesson we can take from Nehemiah 8:12 when we feel like everything around us is black, there is no reason to celebrate and it’s not possible to be joyful when everything seems to be a struggle. That verse says, “Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.” This was possible for them as Ezra, the Priest, had just read to them from God’s Word, the Book of the Law of God. That reminds me of Hebrews 4:12, which says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
They were strengthened by God’s Word, as they received it in an attitude of reverence and humility. When they focused more on Him than how things were in their lives, they could be joyful. He was their reason for joy, just as He is our reason for joy – no matter what we are going through in our daily circumstances. When we become focused on God and meditate on His Word, we find our reason for joy that transcends whatever we are dealing with in life. We find our strength to persevere as we live in thankfulness for Him and all He has done for us. As we spend more time in His Word, it can become easier to see Him. I encourage you to keep your eyes on Him and to be strengthened daily as you dwell in His presence and the truth of Him, as revealed to us in His Word.
My prayer is, “Heavenly Father, thank you so much for giving us peace, hope, and joy. It is because of you that we can be strong and victorious as we face life’s challenges. Please give us a hunger for You and Your Word every day, and a determination to know You more.” In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
