JOY AND 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 describes a revival in progress. Ezra and some scribes read God’s Word to the people from dawn until noon. The people responded by weeping in repentance having realized how terribly they had failed the Lord. Theirs were tears of repentance shed on the Day of Atonement, a day for fasting and repentance (Lev. 23:27-32). But Nehemiah, Ezra, and the other leaders encouraged the people not to mourn or weep on this day, but to enjoy the feast, saying: “The joy of the Lord is your strength” and so the people rejoiced greatly (Neh. 8:10-12).

The Joy of the LORD is our mainspring and surety of STRENGTH. Knowing His Joy experientially yields spiritual strength. Take away joy and there is no strength. That’s why the devil is after our joy; because if he is able to steal a Christian’s joy, he has taken away his or her strength. The Joy of the Lord is your source of strength against condemnation; to receive forgiveness; and to stand before God with a conscience free of offence (Rom.8:1). His Joy strengthens you against the accuser’s assaults (Rev.12:10). Whatever situation you are passing through; whatever storms you may be wading through, the LORD is saying: DO NOT SORROW! Refuse to sorrow…for the Joy of the LORD is your strength.

The Joy of the Lord can be known both personally and corporately. His Joy releases strength to individuals and to groups. Each of us must experience His joy personally so that in coming together corporately it overflows to those we connect with. This dimension of Joy is available to God’s people who come before Him in genuine repentance and passionate thirst for holiness and revival. That was the context in which Nehemiah encouraged the people to express and share their joy.

Joy and its accompanying strength are transmissible, with multiplier effects. Your Joy Matters a great deal. It can positively impact the strength of many within your circles of influence. On the contrary, when you succumb to depression, you may be affecting others negatively. Value your Joy. Guard your Joy. You are a potential channel of joy and strength unto multitudes.