God Wants Me to Be Joyful
Rejoicing in His strength
Nehemiah 8:7-10
Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 13-15 : PM - John 6:16-40
Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Neh. 8:10).
Rejoicing in His strength
Nehemiah 8:7-10
Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 13-15 : PM - John 6:16-40
Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Neh. 8:10).
When the people of Jerusalem understood God's law, they were distressed. They recognized their disobedience. While their sadness and shame were necessary parts of repentance, the leaders were careful to assert they should not stop there. Ezra turned their attention away from their weakness and toward the Lord's strength. The prophet encouraged the people to recognize and celebrate God's joyful acceptance of their decision to rededicate themselves to Him.
In Luke 15:10, Jesus affirmed that the repentance of even one single sinner is cause for celebration: "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." As we repent, we can move beyond our own shortcomings and rejoice in the Lord's unfailing strength and mercy.
Father, use me to help others find peace and joy in Your strength,
