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December 31, 2020
Today’s Promise
The Joy of the Lord Gives Me Strength
Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
The Joy of the Lord is Strength
The people of God had been forced into exile because of their sin. Nehemiah gathered the people together, and the priest read the scriptures. The Children of God had gone a long time without hearing God’s word. When they heard His word, they responded in sorrow, weeping, and mourning.
Nehemiah stood before the people and gave them a strange command. He told them to stop weeping, go, eat, and celebrate. Don’t be sorrowful, but be joyful, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
They were to celebrate because God had brought about forgiveness and restoration.
This story seems so contrary to our thinking. When we experience the conviction of sin, our first response is guilt and shame. A celebration is not the first thing that comes to mind.
God’s response to our repentance is forgiveness and restoration. God is joyful over our repentance and return to Him.
Christianity is a joyful religion. Jesus was a joyful person.
In John 15, Jesus told the disciples that everything He taught them was so that His joy would be in them, and their joy would be full.
What does the joy of the Lord mean? Knowing God is joyful is the starting point. God is joyful over you and me. I have three children, and they are the joy of my life. I am proud of their accomplishments, and I love bragging about them to my friends. Just as a human father is joyful and takes pride in his children, so God is joyful and takes great pride in His children.
As His child, He takes joy in and over you.
God’s joy over you gives you strength and courage to face tomorrow. His joy lives in you and gives you a joy that is beyond understanding. Your joy is not dependent on your circumstance. This joy comes from an inner peace knowing all is well with you and God. Joy is the confidence that God is working for your good.
Joy lifts your heart from sorrow to celebration, thanksgiving, and worship. The joy of the Lord is your strength today.
Look at that promise again.
Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Make these confessions.
- I have the joy of Jesus in me today.
- My joy is not dependent on my circumstances but on the Lord.
- My Heavenly Father rejoices over me today.
- The joy of the Lord is my strength today.
In Jesus name,
Amen
You are strong today because the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Thank you to everyone who supports The Daily Promise. Today is the last day you can make a year-end gift to the ministry. As you finalize your year-end gifts, I hope you include the Daily Promise.
You can make your gift at www.dailypromise.com/donate or mail your donation to:
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PO Box 820505
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We use every gift to encourage Christians with God’s word.
How has the Lord been your strength and joy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
May 2021 bring you and your loved ones, peace, joy, happiness and good health. Thank you for your commitment to us for your daily inspirations. Each morning I look forward to your message. What a great way to start each day. God bless.
Yess Richard you said it perfectly. Blessings to you all and the daily promise family . Believe in the promise of our father and Jesus Christ. Wishing all of you and your families healthy happiness strong faith.