The joy of the Lord is my strength

"Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD is your strength!”  (Nehemiah 8:10)

The Israelites were disheartened after hearing the word of God.  They saw as in a mirror their true selves in relation to God.  God said to them in order to uplift them:

"He continued: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD is your strength!”  (Nehemiah 8: 10)

How awesome and compassionate our God is!

If they do as they are commanded, their obedience to this word of God will cause them to be renewed physically and spiritually.

How do we live this word of God today?  In whatever trial of life we may find ourselves, we can say: "I will not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD is my strength!”  For God's word  urges us:

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  (James 1: 2 - 4)

"Endure your trials as discipline."  (Hebrews 12: 7)

"This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice in it and be glad."  (Psalm 118:  24)