READ: Nehemiah 8 (Focus vs. 5-6 & 8-12)
MEMORY VERSE
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
BACKGROUND
In the midst of colorful creations made from old plastic bottles cut to resemble feathers and even lampshades, a tour guide at a New Orleans Museum shared the thinking behind the use of such material.
“For a city that’s had such hardship, we’ve also learned to use what we have to create joy and beauty. We don’t focus only on the hard times; we celebrate the resilience.”
Nehemiah and the Israelites also faced hardship but resiliently pressed on in God’s joy. They’d been captured and taken away from their home, and at last were able to return to Jerusalem from exile (Nehemiah 3:7-12, 18).
But upon arriving, they still faced opposition to rebuild the wall that protected Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6). Even after the wall was completed and they gathered for a celebration, hearing the words of God’s law, their spirits were heavy.
They were “weeping as they listened” (8:9). But Nehemiah reminded them that they could find joy and strength in God—remembering who He was and what He’d brought them through. Nehemiah told them, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (v. 10).
Focusing on God can give us “great joy” and strength too, especially when our circumstances seem dire. God’s ability, character, and the Scriptures can renew our minds and bring us joy (v. 12)—providing the strength and resilience we need.
Katara Patton
INSIGHT
Nehemiah 8 captures a scene of God’s people unified by reverence for Scripture. As the priest Ezra read from the “Book of the Law” (likely a portion from the first five books of the Bible), “all the people listened attentively” (v. 3).
He stood on “a high wooden platform built for the occasion” (v. 4), allowing for everyone to see him (v. 5). The people responded with awe-filled worship (v. 6).
Perhaps recognizing their sin in the words read, they began to weep (v. 9), though the gathering was meant to be joyful (v. 11). So Nehemiah encouraged them to find strength in “the joy of the Lord” (v. 10).
In our circumstances today, we also can find strength and joy as we focus on God and the Scriptures.
APPLICATION
When have you found joy and strength in God? How can you practice resilience amid your trials?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Focusing on God can give us “great joy” and strength too, especially when our circumstances seem dire. God’s ability, character, and the Scriptures can renew our minds and bring us joy—providing the strength and resilience we need.
PR’s TAKE
“God is the Champion at bringing people from a place of destruction to a place of total victory. As they reach that place of victory they become trophies of His grace and they are set on the display as a fragrant reminder of God’s goodness.” Joyce Meyer
“…to all who mourn He will give to them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3
PRAYER
“Holy God, when my circumstances seem bleak, please remind me to focus on You to find joy and strength.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“I’VE GOT JOY” CeCe Winnans
I’ve got joy in the struggle
I’ve got peace in the storm
I’ve got strength in the battle
I don’t fear anymore
I’m a child of Heaven
And my hope is secure
I’ve got joy ’cause I’ve got Jesus
He gave me beauty for ashes, turned my life around
He broke my chains, and now I dance on solid ground
For all He’s done to save me, I will raise my voice
I’ve got Jesus, so I’ve got joy
He bore all of my burdens
Yeah, my debt has been paid
Then He said to my dry bones
“Rise up out of that grave”
He has all of my worship
All the honor and praise
I’ve got joy ’cause I’ve got Jesus
He gave me beauty for ashes, turned my life around
He broke my chains, and now I dance on solid ground
For all He’s done to save me, I will raise my voice
I’ve got Jesus, so I’ve got
Joy like a river running through my soul
Joy all around me everywhere I go
Even in the desert, still it overflows
Oh, I’ve got joy, yeah, I’ve got
Joy never-ending ’cause He called my name
Every breath I breathe, a testament of amazing grace
Oh, hallelujah everything has changed
Oh, I’ve got joy, yeah, I’ve got joy
He gave me beauty for ashes (ooh, yeah)
Turned my life around
He broke my chains, and now I dance on solid ground
For all He’s done to save me, I will raise my voice
I’ve got Jesus, so I’ve got joy
Joy like a river running through my soul
Joy all around me everywhere I go
Even in the desert still it overflows
I’ve got Jesus
So glad I have Him
I’ve got Jesus
So I’ve got joy
