The joy of the Lord is your strength
Hello Bride of Christ,
Ever struggle with not feeling quite yourself, but you are not sure what is causing it? This gnawing feeling of something is wrong can wear you down. It can also make you feel vexed over the slightest situations or interactions. The lack of clarity and ability to understand can be frustrating, but I want to encourage you today to keep seeking. Keep asking. Keep knocking on heaven's door. Jesus is standing by to answer.
In the book of Nehemiah we find the children of Israel in chapter 8 gathered together in the front of the Water Gate. We are told that Ezra, the priest, takes the book of the Law of Moses and begins to read it. The interesting part of this is that the text specifically points out that he read from morning until midday, before the men and women who could understand; and the ears of the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. (Nehemiah 8:3) They listened to the Law being read for half a day and we struggle to listen to a sermon that goes over an hour on a given Sunday! So what caused the people to lean in? What had caught their attention?
Well it is noted that the priest were helping the people to understand the Law. (Nehemiah 8:7) The children of Israel were beginning to understand and comprehend what God was asking of them. They had spent some time wandering and confused by how events had turned out. They had been discouraged by the temple's destruction. But here on what Nehemiah (the governor) , Ezra (the priest), and the Levites recognized was a holy day to the Lord. It was a day that had been separated unto God and God was pouring forth enlightenment and understanding to His people. How did they respond?
Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites tell the people to not mourn and weep. When the children of Israel began to understand they began to weep and mourn. They might have wept from the mere intimidation of the Law. They might have wept from seeing how they had missed the mark, a repentant heart. However, then Ezra told the people "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10) Did the people listen?
Bride of Christ, when the people heard this the text says they listened. "They went their way to eat and to drink, to send portions, and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them." (Nehemiah 8:12) They were able to walk in it with joy because the Lord had given them understanding. We too can walk in this strength. Lacking clarity? Seek the Lord for understanding. Wait for Him to speak through His people (governors, priest, scribes, Christian friends). Understand. Then rejoice greatly because the joy of the Lord has become your strength.
