Joy in Him strengthens 

Carina Francke

Nehemiah 8:10, 11:" ...for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

In an earlier devotion we concluded that joy is one of the characteristics of God's rule in our lives. But what happens when sickness, loneliness, sorrow or even your lifestyle smothers the joy in you?

In this eighth chapter of Nehemiah, we read that Israel came together to listen to the priest Ezra reading and explaining the Law, so that they can understand the meaning of the words. They were so touched by the contents that they cried sorrowfully (v10), but Ezra gently reprimanded them to rather be joyful and celebrate instead. Awkward? No, Ezra knew that listening to and understanding the Word can open one's eyes and ears to hear what God wants to say to one personally.  And that is reason enough to rejoice!

Sometimes though, you have to cry about what you hear and read in the Word because its  contents speak to you - very often about issues in your life that has to align itself to the truths in the Word.  If these issues cause remorse, you should confess and ask forgiveness without hesitation! After all, the Lord guarantees forgiveness! (1 John 1:9). Then put it behind you and celebrate the revelation of the Word in your life because now, like the Israelites, you can proclaim: "This day is holy to The Lord your God; do not mourn or weep."(v9)

But the Word also encourages: for the lonely and broken hearted the Holy Spirit is the Comforter; for those who worry the Father is the Provider; for the person in pain He is the healer and for those of little faith Jesus is the Beginning and Finisher of their faith. In other words, the presence of the Triune God himself is our source of joy! Enough reason to clap your hands and jubilantly raise your voice in a song of joyful praise!

You have all the reason to celebrate - He is Sufficient for all your needs! Your joy in the Lord does give you strength and protection!

Prayer: Lord, today I deliberately choose to keep your Word alive in me as my source of joy. I admit that only joy in You can protect and strengthen me!  Amen.