Do you find that some days it is hard to have joy? For you it may be a low-level frustration. Possibly your lack of joy looks like a gloomy feeling. Maybe you feel down. Each one of us experience a lack of joy in many different ways. Further, physical health problems or tiredness also play into a general sense of gloom.
Reading through Nehemiah this week, I ran across a verse that may prove helpful to each one of us. In this context, the people of Israel were leaving a period of great trials. They had just rebuilt the wall. In this chapter, Ezra brought the scrolls and began to read the Bible. Check out this verse:
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)
Notice What Happens
The Bible was read, explained, and applied to their circumstance. Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites led the people in worship. The people listened well, were attentive to the Word, and considered what they were supposed to do. In fact, the people were heartbroken because they realized they had not been doing everything God expected from them.
So notice what advice they were given… Go, live, serve, and do not sorrow because the joy of the Lord is your strength.
In other words, they engaged in the Word, realized the brokenness of their world and in their lives, and were told to respond in the strength of the Lord.
Things were not perfect. The people were not perfect. Life had been hard, even broken in many ways.
How should they respond then?
They were encouraged in God’s Word, as you live, serve others as consistent with what the Bible says, and rejoice in the Lord.
If today you are struggling with joy…
If today you are struggling with joy, let me encourage you as the people were by Ezra and the Levites. Is it true that much of life may be broken around us – including our own souls in some ways? Then refresh yourself in the Word of God, understand what God requires of you, go out and live today in service of God and others, and be grateful for God’s mercy and care for you in Christ.
Go in the strength of the Lord.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
