Daily Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
(10) Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Today’s Devotional Is THE JOY OF LORD
Human well-being is dependent on joy and gladness. If depression and sorrow continue to rule our lives, we will not live the best life possible. This chapter mentions three sources of joy.
They understood the Divine Word and benefited from it. It was amazing to see their eagerness for the Divine Word as Ezra opened The Sacred Book. Let us also enjoy God’s Word. We should not view the Bible as a chore, but rather dwell on it until its beauty is woven into our lives and thoughts. This is how life becomes more refined and enriching. We will no longer want corrupting or base things. God will grant us what we desire, and we’ll be content if we love Him.
They shared good news with those who had not prepared it (Neh_8.10-12). Healing broken hearts is the best way to heal sorrow and heartbreak. We can only provide comfort to ourselves if we do the same for others. Nehemiah couldn’t have offered better advice than sharing his joys and sweets among those who were without comfort or luxuries.
Christianity is not without its joys. Because He revealed the Father to us, He gives us His joy. He also makes our lives worth living. He makes work easy because He has made it so, sorrow bearable because He shares it, death possible because He has opened the Father’s Door. We may share His joy (Joh_15.11; Joh_16.22-24).
Their obedience. They began to practice the words that they had heard. It was no surprise that joy was present, as God’s commands bring great rewards. Our Lord spoke of the Holy Ghost entering the heart to quench its thirst and pouring forth like rivers to a dying planet during the Feast of Tabernacles (Joh_7.37-39). The Holy Spirit’s indwelling is essential to our ability to do anything. Only He can make us right with God. Only through Him, can we really be happy. Only through Him, can we share joy and comfort with others.
PRAYER for Today
We are grateful to Thee, O God for the opportunity to have fellowship with you in your redemptive work. We are grateful for His gifts even for rebellious people. May they fill our hearts with joy and gladness. AMEN.