Bible Text: Nehemiah 8: 9-12
TOPIC: GOD’S JOY IS YOUR STRENGTH
“This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b.
Raymond was zealous for God but had issues with lecturers who thought he was not serious because of his fellowship involvement. When one of the lecturers confronted him to know the reason for his enthusiastic nature, he responded that Christ is the reason and the joy of the Lord is his strength.
After the Israelites returned from exile to Jerusalem, the law of Moses was read out from daybreak till noon; meaning was given to what was being read, and the children of Israel responded positively with reverence.They were encouraged to stop weeping and mourning but should return to eat and drink for the joy of the Lord is their strength, because they now understood the law of Moses better.
The leader of God’s people should give attention to the reading of the Word of God, and it must be responded to accordingly. Our strength and joy as believers are drawn from the Word of God. All we need to do is have a genuine change of heart that is willing to hear and keep the Word of God. Repent genuinely, develop a great love for the Word of God, and great joy from the Lord will be your strength.
Insight: Nothing in heaven and in the world can be compared with the joy of God. Covet it.
Prayer: Lord, look on me with favour, make me fruitful and increase my number in Jesus name.
RBT Passage: Mark 15-16