The Joy of the LORD

September 29, 2018

When Ezra read the law to the people, they were grieved as they realized how far short they had fallen from its ideals. Nehemiah told the people to stop weeping and begin rejoicing, because the day was holy to the LORD. They were repentant, but he refused to allow them to wallow in their sadness. It is good to be sorry for our sins, but wallowing in sorrow is never a good thing. A broken heart wears out the bearer. It isn’t possible to maintain life with only sorrow.

Nehemiah gave them good advice when he told them to feast and share their bounty with others. But he also gave them the reason why they should do so when he said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” If we try to serve God from any other source, we wear out. Guilt is not a good motivator; obligation isn’t enough. Strength enough to serve God faithfully only comes from the deep well of joy and satisfaction he alone gives. Genuine repentance is a good thing, but it can become an albatross around our necks if it doesn’t ground us in the love and joy of God himself. 

I read this verse this morning, and have been thanking God all day for the joy that gives strength to do his will.