The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength
(Yeo Su Chen, Chairperson, Communications)
READ:
Nehemiah 8:9-11 (NLT) – 9Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”11And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, “Hush! Don’t weep! For this is a sacred day.”
OBSERVE:
In this chapter of Nehemiah, we read about the Israelites returning to recommit themselves to God after the walls around Jerusalem have been restored.
They listened as Nehemiah exhorted and encouraged them to celebrate the occasion and share their food with those who were less fortunate. He also told the people not to be miserable or mournful but to have joy in the Lord as their strength (verse 10).
This joy in the Lord is not a mere fleeting feeling of elation and enjoyment. It is not worldly pleasure. It does not mean life will always be smooth sailing and only consists of good things and happiness. This joy is a sense of contentment, beatitude, hope and bliss in the Lord regardless of the circumstances. There is security in a safe future. This blessed certainty gives rise to hope and strength to carry on despite challenging and exacting circumstances.
Just like God had helped Nehemiah to restore the walls in the Book of Nehemiah, He wants to “repair” and restore me. He wants me to carry the redeeming grace and hope from Him in me so that I can have joy in Him to go on, soldiering on to the finishing line, because the joy in Him fortifies me.
APPLY
This passage reminds me to stand on the blessed assurance of God. Although my circumstances in life might not always be easy or trouble free, the Lord can strengthen me through His grace and promises come what may. Only with His joy in me can I lead a life bearing His cross daily.
I have to trust and obey the Lord, and allow Him to direct my path so that He can help me to make it to the finishing line.
DO
In order to have the joy of the Lord as my strength, I have to be:
Joined to the Lord so that I can walk closely with Him.
Obedient to the Lord and walk on the straight and narrow path as His disciple.
Yielding to His will, no matter how hard it is for me to understand or accept initially.
PRAY
Lord, You alone are my source of joy and strength. Please give me the will power and strength to stand firm on Your promises and truth. Please help me to remember that in You, I can have the strength to go on no matter how futile and forlorn life can appear sometimes. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
