Strength in Joy

     Did you know the deep joy of the Lord brings us strength? That joy can catapult us into heaven, allowing God’s light back to earth when we need it most. Nehemiah had a dream. It had been over a hundred years since the destruction of the Jewish temple. God gave him the joy and strength to dream big.

I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. Nehemiah 2:12a

     Through hard work and prayer, Nehemiah would see his people return to Jerusalem. He and Ezra and other priests read from the book of the Law to encourage the Israelites. The listeners were struck with the thought of being back in the land and they wept. But Nehemiah was ready to celebrate, as we, too, are ready to celebrate and one day soon, we can proclaim these words as our own as we return to the land of normal living once again.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice foods and sweet drinks and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

     The joy of the Lord is your strength. Let Him place a dream in your heart and believe!

Lord,

Let Your deep joy fill us during these days of doubt. Place a vivid dream of hope in our hearts as you did for Nehemiah. That dream was fulfilled and You will bring our Godly dreams to reality, a day we can eat and drink and be filled with the strength of Your joy.

In Jesus name,

Amen