Justin Tucker
LHC Worship Pastor
Nehemiah 8:9-10
9 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us of the truth that the joy of the Lord is our strength. In times of trials and crises, when the weight of the world presses upon our shoulders, we find solace in knowing that God’s joy can lift our spirits.
Life often presents us with challenges that seem too big to handle, leaving us hurting and discouraged. But in those moments, we can turn to the joy that God offers, a joy that transcends circumstances and provides us with unwavering strength. It is a joy that can lift our hearts, renew our minds, and energize our souls.
This joy isn’t dependent on our circumstances; it is anchored in our relationship with the Lord. It’s a joy that springs from the well of His love, grace, and mercy. In the midst of our trials, we can draw from this deep well, allowing His joy to fill us with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.
No matter what we may be facing, whether it’s personal struggles, adversity, or uncertainty, we can rely on the joy of the Lord to sustain us. It empowers us to persevere, to endure, and to emerge from challenges stronger than before. It is a joy that reminds us that we are never alone in our trials, for the presence of the Lord is with us.
Today, let us hold fast to the promise of Nehemiah 8:10. In the joy of the Lord, we find the strength to face whatever comes our way. Through this divine joy, we can overcome, find comfort, and experience the unshakable peace that only He can provide.