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July 8, 2020

Today’s Promise

The Joy of the Lord is My 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

You are strong today because the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah was a reluctant leader who God used to restore Israel and rebuild the city of Jerusalem. The people 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 the word, they responded in sorrow, weeping, and mourning. 

A Strange Command

Nehemiah stood before the people and gave them a strange command. He told them to stop weeping. He said, 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 returning to Him.

Joyful Religion

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 on 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.

God Takes Joy in You

As a child of God, 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

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How are you walking in the joy of the Lord today? Share in the comments below.


 

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7 Comments

  1. Wendy Hendricks July 9, 2020 at 10:11 am - Reply

    AMEN… I HAVE THE LORD’S JOY!!

  2. John Felix Bahonsua Villaruel August 16, 2021 at 6:39 am - Reply

    Yes? The Joy of the Lord is our strength. Keep spreading the Word of God.

  3. Puan Tan January 19, 2022 at 12:49 pm - Reply

    Be a joyful Christian

    • Bonnie May 27, 2022 at 11:08 pm - Reply

      I have discovered Jesus joy in my life, strength and gladness, it’s so fun

  4. Heidi lovell greene April 4, 2022 at 5:17 am - Reply

    thank you so much … just what i needed to hear today . God is so amazing .

  5. Rotimi June 30, 2022 at 10:49 am - Reply

    I have peace within for i know His thought towards me are the best. He has never fail me and i know in every strata of my life He will never fail. Hallelujah

  6. Colleen November 15, 2023 at 2:06 am - Reply

    God’s greatest commandments is all about love. I believe that the joy of God is enfolded in love.

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