On this Christian walk we sometimes get lost in the whole nothing is going right, why do i struggle so much mentality. Jesus did say that many are called but few are chosen, and that this pathway we walk is narrow not wide, which signifies a struggle. But today i want to remind you that, there is something else! Joy in the Lord!
now reading verse 9-11 you see it is a time of rejoicing, as the wall of Jerusalem had been rebuilt. After all the persecution and problems that were faced it was now time to give God thanks and rejoice over this great victory. Ezra the priest and Levites said This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law Neh 8:9. When i see weep, i am thinking of weeping in joy, because if you have read the book of Nehemiah you see it was not easy to get this build in motion. They struggled hard. What really popped out to me was what Nehemiah said in verse 10 "do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! Brethren there is unthinkable joy in the Lord, this walk is not just about struggling, God wants us to be happy and joyous, the bible says that all the people went and celebrated with Great joy. Some may say how could they? they faced mockery, armed raids, even a ruse to draw them out of the city, and a hired prophet to foretell his death?! That seems like alot of opposition to me. But because God was in the mix nothing could harm this great body of people. It's the same thing today. God has got us in every situation and trial we go through know that God is keeping you! I've had the experience where an unimaginable joy just randomly fills my soul, and its because of Gods love for us! He wants me and you to be happy, so next time you come out of a iffy situation give thanks to Lord. He will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build! Neh 2:20
The Joy of the Lord, it is your Strength!!
God bless
