The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah 8 takes place after a great work; the wall around Jerusalem had been rebuilt in just 52 days. Ezra, the priest and scribe, stood on a platform and read from the Book of the Law of Moses. As the people heard God’s Word - many for the first time in their lives - they began to weep. Their hearts were pierced with conviction. They realized how far they had drifted.
But when He realized the people were sinking into shame, He stopped them. He reminded the people that this was a day of restoration, not condemnation. God was not highlighting their failures to shame them - He was calling them back to Himself with open arms. And their strength to move forward would not come from their guilt - it would come from God’s joy in redeeming and restoring His people.
We all face seasons when we feel like we’re rebuilding from ruins - broken dreams, broken relationships, or maybe broken faith. In those moments, it’s easy to get stuck in sorrow, regret, or self-condemnation.
Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
The joy of the Lord means God delights in loving and redeeming His people. That unshakable joy is what give us the courage to move forward when we feel weak, afraid, or overwhelmed.
So, how do we live in His joy?
We celebrate His grace, even when we feel unworthy.
We share His goodness with others, even when our resources feel small. (Notice how Nehemiah told them to “send portions” to those who had nothing!)
We remind ourselves each and every day that His love, not our performance, is our anchor.
What would it look like for you to live today strengthened not by your own efforts, but by God’s joy over you?
Heavenly Father, don’t let sorrow and shame have the final word over over me. Remind me of Your great love, and let my strength be in you today. Thank you for joy that is steady, arms that are open, and delighting in calling me Yours. Help be to rejoice - and strengthen me from that place. In Jesus name - Amen.
