Whence Cometh Strength?

"The JOY of the LORD is your STRENGTH" - just saw that verse in a friend's FB photo, and it fits....so very well. Because it's true.

It's so easy to focus on the things that can drag us down. I've had a scratchy throat all afternoon. I hurt my ankle some again. But if that's where I choose to fix my eyes, I'll miss out big time.

The Joy of the Lord. What is the joy of the Lord? It's an easy answer in some ways. God created a world which, though it is now marred by sin, is still amazingly beautiful. The joy of the Lord can be seen in the butterfly feasting on the flowers outside of our dining hall. His joy shines in the happy voices of children and the glowing smile of the youngest Institute kid.

Of course, it's more than that too. The joy of the Lord is evident in every one of our lives when we remember to see it. He takes joy in Himself, and He takes joy in the work He does in our lives. He is overjoyed every time we look to Him. And He is always there for us, no matter how many times we've tried to live life on our own.

That verse, often quoted without reference to its context, comes from Nehemiah 8. The people of God had just been led into a time of repentance by God's servants Ezra and Nehemiah, and they were burdened by their sin. They had just heard God's law read to them, and they saw how far short they had fallen.

"Then he said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

God had restored His people from exile into Jerusalem. They had just rebuilt the walls, and they had hearts and ears ready to hear anew God's commands and expectations. He worked in their lives, and He gave them His joy as their strength to move forward in repentance and revival. Notice that this joy came when they humbled themselves, placing their lives under the authority of their holy King.

Isn't our God marvelously gracious? :) All praise & glory to Him.