The Joy of the Lord

Nehemiah 8:8-10 (New Living Translation)
8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

10 And Nehemiah[a] continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”


THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH. The word of God is not ment to put a burdin on us, or to weigh us down. While it does bring conviction of our sin, the word of God builds us up, it gives us life, it gives us hope. It is this knowledge of the truth, knowledge of our savior and our God that bring true joy.

WHAT DO YOU TURN TO FOR STRENGTH? IS IT THE WORD OF GOD OR IS IT SOMETHIING ELSE, YOUSELF, YOUR SPOUCE, SECURITY IN YOUR POSSESSIONS? NEXT TIME MAKE IT THE WORD. IT IS THROUGH SPENDING TIME IN THE WORD THAT YOU WILL DESCOVER THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH.

1 John 2
"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did".

DOES THE ACTIONS OF YOUR LIFE TESTIFY THAT YOUR ARE A BELIEVER? HAS GOD PENETRATED YOU TO THE DEPTHS OF TRULY AND RADICALLY CHANGING YOUR LIFE?