The joy of the Lord.

The joy of the Lord is my strength.  A phrase that is extremely famous.  But what do we mean when we say the joy of the Lord is my strength.  In Nehemiah 8:10 we see this verse.  But the context is important.  T this stage, some of the Israelites has just returned home after captivity in Babylon.  They have rebuilt what was needed mostly and now Nehemiah stands up to read the law. 

“He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.”  -Nehemiah 8:3

He read this law for an entire day while people listened intensively.  This had to be some instruction.  This scripture also says that the people wept and mourned as they heard the words.  My guess is the realisation of how far they drifted from God and probably how they messed up.  It is then that Nehemiah gives the command for the people too celebrate.  He stated that this is the Holy day of the Lord and that rejoicing should be in order.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food 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

This is quite something.  Here the Israelites learned that they dishonored God, yet after this instruction they are expected to celebrate.  I am of the opinion that grace was celebrated.  Mercy.  A new chance.

We tend to miss the details God gives attention to in our lives.  Each day there is much to be celebrated.  To rejoice in God is to rejoice in His instructions and always giving second chances.  And although we feel guilty and realis what we did wrong, the joy in His grace is what gives us strength.  His joy over us returning is what gives us strength.