Nehemiah 8:9-10 "And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. (10) Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
The people were weeping because they knew they had been sent into captivity
because they had neglected and disobeyed the Word of God. As it was being read
to them, they were pricked in their hearts. But Nehemiah and the others
reminded the people that this was a festive occasion. By God's mercy, they had
been allowed to return to Jerusalem specifically to rebuild the wall that had
been completely torn down. The priest, scribe, and Levites reminded the
people that it was a "holy day unto the Lord." It was a day of
celebrating and rejoicing in the faithfulness of God.
"The joy of the Lord is your strength." How could they experience
that joy? It seems to me that the true joy of the Lord comes after we repent
and turn back to Him, wherein we find His mercy and faithfulness to forgive our
sins. The tears manifested the sorrow of heart because of their
disobedience. The joy comes in knowing God is true to His Word. But let's think
for a moment concerning this "joy of the Lord." How do you and
I experience and manifest that joy in our lives? Let's look at three
verses that speak to us of the joy of the Lord.
First, when the women went to the tomb to anoint the dead body of Jesus. Instead
of death, they found life. Jesus had risen from the dead and was alive!
"And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and GREAT
JOY; and did run to bring his disciples word." (Matthew 28:8) They
rejoiced because of life! After the resurrection, Peter and the disciples
went fishing. They caught nothing; yet, Jesus came and they enjoy fellowship
with Him. Then "... they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with
GREAT JOY." (Luke 24:52) Then one other verse to consider. In the
parable of the talents, we read concerning the two men who took that which was
given them and used it to honor their master, "His lord said unto him,
Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few
things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into THE JOY OF THY
LORD." (Matthew 25:23)
How do we experience the joy of the Lord which in turn strengthens us? The true
joy of the Lord is focused on the risen Saviour Who secured our forgiveness by
dying for our sins. It is through obedience to Him, walking by faith, that we
can experience that joy which flows like a river out of our hearts and minds.