NEHEMIAH 8:10.
Then he said, "Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet and send portion unto them for who nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord; neither be sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
TO PONDER:
It is believed that these events took place in the 5th Century BC when the exiles returned to Jerusalem after being held in Babylonia for decades. Because of them being in exile so long, it was the first time many of them heard the scriptures. Many realised how far they had strayed from God and there was guilt and much weeping among the exiles. The walls around Jerusalem had been obliterated and were only now being rebuilt. They may not have been as tall, as strong, or as striking as the walls in the cities of their enemies; however, they were rebuilt to help restore the dignity of the Israelites and in the end, hopefully, to put them back on the right track. These exiled people on returning “home” were being encouraged to remember the joy of the Lord that had been in their lives previously.
How did the Israelites, an exiled people, find this strength?
Well, Nehimiah encouraged them to hold a celebration to eat, drink and share a portion with those who were unprepared, and that the particular day of this celebration was holy to the Lord. They were told not to grieve (how could they not after losing so much) and to know that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So a simple answer to this is found in the Hebrew word “ma’oz” translated as refuge, fortress or stronghold. The joy and strength that is God given acts as our fortress, protecting us from worry and despair – helping us to move forward. It’s a reminder that our hope isn’t rooted in our own perfection, or our circumstances, but in unfailing, secure love of our salvation and relationship with Him. Seek him first. These exiled people on returning “home” were being encouraged to remember the joy of the Lord that had been in their lives previously.
Think about the times when you may have thought, "poor me, nothing goes right and every bad thing always happens to me". What did you do to overcome your circumstances. I guess you could have wallowed in your misery and thought, "I can do this in my own strength"? We have all done this at some time in our life’s journey.
One incident I remember, a while back, someone said to me: “you never have anything bad happen to you! Why and how come?” WHAT! I was dumb struck, as they had seen what I’d been through. Even though I had known this person almost all of my life, I thought this was a great opportunity to share the scripture, especially the part where it states “for the joy of the Lord is MY strength”.
Where do you find your strength, joy and peace? Is it in going to the gym, partying, drinking, making more money, bettering your career, keeping up with the Jones, all worldly things. Or do you go to His word?
PRAYER: Dear heavenly Lord, once again I must thank you for Your continual strength, love, joy and peace that you unselfishly are willing to give, not only to me, but those in the world. Help me Lord, to always seek you first in all things. AMEN
Today's devotion written by Noeline Brock, LifeWay Online