The Joy of the Lord


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

People struggle with the idea of Joy, particularly during tough times. We know that joy comes from the Lord, and we should be joyful in all circumstances, but sometimes we can't feel it. Of course, we often think our struggles are unique, and the encouragement given in the Bible was for people in a different place.

Nehemiah told the Jews in the Old Testament that they weren't to grieve, but rather to embrace the idea that the joy of the Lord was their strength. Nehemiah didn't speak to a peaceful, prosperous people during times of great contentment. He spoke to an oppressed, broken people who were in exile. Yet the command from the Lord was simple, be full of My Joy!

Solomon once wrote in Ecclesiastes there is nothing new under the sun. The meaning of which I take to be that what we have isn't new. Our hardships and struggles aren't unique — many have endured similar trials, or worse, since the beginning of time. But God's message and His presence has remained the same. That should be a comfort to us.

It doesn't mean it's easy. I know, personally, I tend more toward worry, fret, and apprehension than joy, but that's not what God wants for me, and it's not what He wants for any of us. He is a God of joy, and we are to be a people full of joy — His joy. Sometimes we just need the reminder.

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