His Joy ... Our Strength

This verse from Nehemiah really speaks to my heart. So many times in my life I have felt weak or inadequate. It has been hard to put one foot in front of another because of the weight of sin and guilt and, at times, grief.

This is what the Israelites were feeling when Nehemiah spoke to them. They had returned from exile and the Book of the Law (The Message calls it the “Book of The Revelation of Moses that God had commanded for Israel”) had been read to them by Ezra. They realized their sin and were sorrowful. Their hearts were heavy and they were weeping as they came face to face with their disobedience.

But Nehemiah had a word for them. He told them not to be sorrowful. He told them not to feel sad or bad. Then these words: The joy of God is your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10 MSG)

And he told them to go and celebrate. Prepare a feast that included holiday food and drink and share it with those who did not have anything. They were told this was a holy day for the Lord. Celebrate and don’t be upset or sad. So they did was they were directed by Nehemiah and they made sure that everyone, even the poor among them, had plenty to eat. 

Such amazing words to hear. From God’s lips to our ears and hearts through the mouth of Nehemiah. What do these words mean to you?

There have been times in my life when my behavior has not matched my faith. I did not set a good example of what a Christian life should be. Later in my life, as I realized the full impact of what I had done, my heart became heavy and I wept an carried a huge burden, knowing that I had not been all that God created me to be. In fact, it was more like I was consorting with the enemy.

But as I was moving through the guilt of this behavior, God shone the light of His joy in my heart. I realized that I had been forgiven through the Blood of Jesus. That I could live with the Joy of Jesus in my heart because my sins were forgiven. My past was in the past and I could move forward and reflect the Joy that was in my heart in all that I say and do.

I have found the same with grief. Having a loved one, whether family member or friend, go Home to Jesus can be hard emotionally. But I have found that if I let the Joy of God shine in my heart, those times are much less difficult. Yes, there is sadness. Yes, there is a huge hole in my heart from missing my loved one. But the Joy of the Lord allows me to also celebrate their Homegoing. How can I let grief overwhelm me when the Joy of the Lord is my Strength?

How about you? How does realizing that the Joy of the Lord is your Strength change your perspective on the sin, guilt, and grief you have experienced in your life? Do you find it easier, as I do, to move forward knowing that God’s Light and the Blood of Jesus have created a place of safety and strength in the midst of difficult emotions?

Praying we will all allow the Joy of the Lord to be our Strength always.

Blessings 😊 Ceri