Why is this so important? Because, Nehemiah said, “Do not grieve, for the JOY OF THE LORD is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10) The joy of the Lord is FOUNDATIONAL in our relationship with God. After the children of Israel returned to Jerusalem from exile and WITHOUT the Word of God. They were listening to the law being read, were overcome with condemnation, and WERE WEEPING. Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not MOURN OR WEEP.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law for the first time for many of them.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is HOLY TO OUR LORD. Do not grieve, for THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH.” Forgive me for overemphasizing this point for you see, the devil comes, “…to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10a) Satan’s desire is to STEAL OUR JOY, to KILL our hope of a renewed relationship with the Lord and DESTROY our ability to share the JOY OF THE LORD. Thankfully Jesus promises, “I have come that they may HAVE 1LIFE, and that they may have it more 2ABUNDANTLY.” (John 10:10b) 1zóé: the absolute fullness of life. 2perissos: over and above, more than is necessary, superior, extraordinary, surpassing. You see, the Lord intimately shares HIS GIFT OF LIFE with us. We have this life in all its SUPERIORITY which is over and above ALL that we could ask or think!!!
THAT IS WHERE OUR ETERNAL JOY COMES FROM!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham