“…Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared…Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” – Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT)
What is joy?
Joy is a good feeling in the soul produced by the Holy Spirit as He makes us see and savour the glory of Christ in the Word and the world.
The people of Israel had returned from captivity. They had seen the walls repaired and the temple rebuilt under the leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra, the priest. They wept openly when they heard God’s law and its explanation. But Ezra told them they should be filled with joy because the day was sacred. It was time to celebrate and give gifts to those in need.
Celebration is not to be self-centered. Ezra connected celebration with giving, thereby giving those in need an opportunity to celebrate as well. When we celebrate and give to others (even when we don’t feel like it), we are strengthened spiritually and filled with joy. Thus, we should practice celebrations that honour God and allow Him to fill us with His joy.
Joy is something that must be practiced. It doesn’t really come naturally to everyone. But once you understand it, it’s contagious, and you can infect yourself with it!
Nehemiah presented the theory of joy (as found in the primary Scripture). The Levites gave the command to be joyful (Nehemiah 12:43). It didn’t take long for them to get accustomed to joy – and it shouldn’t take long for us, either. Joy is contagious – even a baby can teach joy to adults. Haven’t you seen it? A baby smiles or laughs, and every adult who sees it smiles and laughs in return.
Life can be tough; don’t give up! Nehemiah’s rebuilding project involved everyone. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, teenagers – everyone. He rebuilt to restore worship to God. That’s what the ultimate end of our rebuilding must be. After confession and forgiveness, God wants to replace the grief and sorrow with gladness and joy.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your endless love and joy that comes from knowing You. Help us to overcome discouragement by focusing on Your promises and releasing Your joy in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Psalm 16:11; Philippians 4:4
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 27:23-27; Proverbs 28:1-6; Hebrews 13; Ezekiel 30; Ezekiel 31