Nehemiah 8:9-12
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
Subject: Our Strength is in the Joy of the Lord
The above passage is found in the midst of the building of the walls of Jerusalem upon the return of Nehemiah and the captives. Although they are still, technically, captives in their own land, the leadership wants them to rejoice in the completion of the walls. However, they more want them to rejoice in the fact that God's Word has been fulfilled and is being fulfilled. The leadership wants them to realize that their strength and security is not found in brick and mortar and timber and iron on the walls, but in the "joy of the Lord." Having our walk in the commands of God should give us joy and that joy is the strength we can lean upon. God wants us to rejoice in Joy we have in Him. We can get so fixed on insignificant things that give us false hope and temporary joy. But, trusting in God's Word and knowing that God's Word is being fulfilled in our lives gives a strength we can rejoice in and trust in.
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