The Joy of the Lord

NEHEMIAH 8:9-12

 

THE JOY OF THE LORD!

 

After the law of the Lord was read, Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and the scribe and the Levites said to the people of Israel not to mourn or weep as the day was scared to the Lord, God.

 

The Israelites, after hearing the word of God that was read by Ezra, they were cut to heart, they were convicted, their thoughts and attitudes were judged (Heb 4:12).

 

They began to weep and repent for their sins, and they also wept understanding how God was good to them. 

 

The Israelites acknowledged that:

God was loving and faithful in leading them from the days of their ancestors.

God had helped them to build the wall 

God had provided all the necessities for their work

God has saved them from the hands of their enemies 

God gave them a place to rest and live in peace

 

Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites cheered the people of Israel. Nehemiah said that they may enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and share with people who do not have food because it was a time of celebration, thanksgiving, and praising God for His works.

 

 

Nehemiah had to repeat these words because the Israelites could not contain their tears of happiness and repentance because:

 

The word of God gave them happiness, joy, strength, hope and a future.

 

The word of God brings conviction and transformation.

 

The word of God revealed the love and faithfulness of God.

 

The word of God assured them that they are set apart for the Lord, a Holy Nation for God.

 

The word of God promised them that the Lord will fight against their enemies

 

The word of God guided them to lead a Holy life.

 

Reading the word of God gave them immense joy and happiness. 

 

Similarly, to us as believers and children of God, one of the precious possessions that has been given to us is the word of God: The Holy Bible.

 

We all have experienced God speaking to us through His word.

We still believe and trust in the word of God because we know that:

 

The word of God is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

 

It is powerful, alive, and active (Hebrews 4:12)

 

It reveals the truth (John 17:17)

 

Reveals knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6)

 

It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps 119:105)

 

It gives us life (John 6:63)

 

It gives us Joy and delight (Nehemiah 8:10, Jeremiah 15:16)

 

It sets us free from our bondages (John 8:32)

 

The more we read the word of God the more we will love God

 

The more we desire to build our relationship with God the more He comes closer to us

 

When God fills our heart with His word, unspeakable joy will overflow within us, and nothing can or will ever shake us (Ps 16:8; 62:2)

 

 

Desire, thirst, long to read the word of God every day. God will enrich you daily.

 

Let us pray:

 

Dear Lord, thank you for the word that is living and active. Help us to fill our heart, mind, and our mouth with your word, that when we speak, we speak your word.

Guide us and fill us. In Jesus name. Amen.