The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength: Finding Hope in Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah 8:10

“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.’” (NIV)

In today’s passage, Nehemiah is instructing the people with regard to the Feast of Tabernacles. The wall of Jerusalem had been rebuilt after the nation’s rebellion had left them victims to foreign nations that destroyed Jerusalem and dispersed the people. Ezra, the scribe, read the Law, and the people were weeping as they listened to the Law.

The Bible reminds us the Law brings death. It reminds us of our wrongdoing, our sin. It convicts our hearts for what we have done to the Lord in response to His kindness. But then, Nehemiah commands the people, “Do not mourn, for this day is holy.” They were weeping over their past sin, but Nehemiah was reminding them of God’s faithfulness in response to their rebellion. He commanded them to celebrate.

The Feast of Tabernacles was a feast to remind them of God’s faithfulness as they wandered in the wilderness for forty years because of their lack of faith. They did not trust God enough to enter the Promised Land. Instead, they wandered. But even then, God was faithful. He gave them a pillar of fire to light their way and keep them warm at night. He gave them a pillar of cloud to protect them from the heat of the day. He brought rivers out of a rock to quench their thirst, and their clothes did not wear out even after forty years.

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

Hasn’t God been good to us despite our rebellion? While we were yet sinners, He died for us. And despite our continued failings, we have received blessing upon blessing. This is the joy we have in the Lord: that when He loves and blesses us while we are faithless, we are truly blessed. We find rest in His faithfulness despite our faithlessness at times. To God be the glory. Let us celebrate, for the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Prayer: Lord, let my heart be broken over my sin, but let my eyes raise up to Your lavish kindness to me anyway. Let my joy in You be made complete as I contemplate Your faithfulness. Amen.