“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)
After many years in exile, the children of Israel returned to their homeland. Jerusalem was in a state of ruin and needed to be rebuilt. They began rebuilding and settling in their homes, but they had brought with them all the pagan practices they adopted while in exile. They had forgotten the commandments of the Lord their God. Nehemiah had also returned as governor and, with Ezra, the priest, re-established worship of the Almighty God.
There was a public reading of the Word of God as a reminder. When they realised they had strayed far from worshipping the one true God, they bowed their heads and wept. But Ezra, the priest, encouraged them, saying, “…this day is holy to the Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
This joy or gladness of heart comes from knowing God, having an intimate relationship with Him, and being able to share every detail of our lives with Him. In return, God gives us the assurance that He is with us and will take us through every difficulty we face.
Many people today are abandoning true worship and the Word of God for material gain. Others, in certain parts of the world, are forced to denounce Christ because of persecution and fear for their very lives. Still, others just refuse to believe in the existence of a holy and righteous God who cares for His creation.
But when storms arise – when sickness comes knocking, when investments fail, and our source of income dries up, when families disintegrate – and we know not where to turn for help, remember these verses:
- “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” (Psalm 34:15 – NKJV)
- “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” (1 John 2:15-17)
- “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself…” (Matthew 6:34 – AMP.)
- “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19 – NKJV)
- “…none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.” (Psalm 34:22)
- “Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him…” (Isaiah 55:7)
Remember this also, “…Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
Prayer
Thank You, Father, for Your joy in our hearts and lives that gives us the strength to carry on in spite of the challenges we face. We have every confidence that You are aware and that You care about our circumstances. Thank You for intervening. The enemy will not defeat us; Your joy will remain in us, and our joy will be full. Amen
Read: Luke 15:7; John.15:11
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 19:23-29; Proverbs 20:1-4; 1 Corinthians 7:17-35; Ecclesiastes 4; Ecclesiastes 5; Ecclesiastes 6
