The Joy of the Lord is your Strength. Daily Devotional - January 18, 2010

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 19, Matthew 18, Nehemiah 8, Acts 18

I can picture all of the people gathered around Ezra as he stands on his wooden platform and reads the book of the Law of Moses. Ezra read the book from early morning until mid-day. The book of Nehemiah does not reference that they took breaks to stretch or eat but it only mentions that the people were so touched that they were crying and worshiping the Lord with their faces to the ground.

We are so accustomed to hearing God’s word on a regular basis, an all-day long sermon may sound...well, long! Yet, I wonder how long it had been since the people had heard God’s word? Perhaps some of them were hearing it for the first time?! Ezra, Nehemiah and all the other leaders with them all announced this day as sacred to the Lord. Something special was taking place in Jerusalem and the leaders felt led to give one simple instruction: Nehemiah 8:10 “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” They went on to encourage a celebration with a feast and to give gifts to those in need.

There are times when God touches you - you may cry, feel convicted, repent or even feel grieved like the Isrealites did. God wants us to experience those emotions, but then rise up and rejoice! Celebrate God’s victory in your life!It is interesting that Ezra connected celebrating with giving. Many times when the Lord is working on our hearts it is tempting to focus on all of our issues that need fixing. I think Ezra understood that the most fulfilling joy is a selfless joy. The most wonderful part about our testimony is getting to share that joyfully with those around us!

We can often overlook joy as a weapon against the enemy. We might immediately consider the scriptures or prayer, but overlook the power that Joy has in our spiritual lives! Joy brings refreshment and new perspective. Joy is a fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22) - an evidence of God’s spirit being active in your life! Don’t underestimate the power of JOY!

Don't feel guilty - go have fun! Celebrate God's goodness! Laugh with your loved ones! Know that in doing so, you are actually being strengthened!

Thanks for reading,
Mel

Tomorrow's reading: Genesis 20, Matthew 19, Nehemiah 9, Acts 19