What is the source of your strength? We may seek to derive our strength from a number of different areas. We may look back at our accomplishments or we may rely upon our current position and power. The glory of past accomplishments and our position of power may fade away. What is a source of strength that can always be with us regardless of our circumstances?

We find some significant lessons in the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah chronicles how he built up the wall around Jerusalem, and then how he built up the people spiritually. After the wall was completed,  Nehemiah gathered the people together as Ezra read to them God’s word,

They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. (Nehemiah 8:8-9)

It is interesting to note the people’s response – they were weeping when they realized the implications of God’s word. This may have been the first time that they heard God’s word and perhaps they were convicted by their sin. Nehemiah encouraged them to change their focus from their transgressions to God’s redemptive work in their lives,

Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  (Nehemiah 8:10)

Nehemiah told them that this was not a day for grieving but a day for celebrating. The reason he gave is the same reason why you can rejoice – the joy of the Lord is your strength. When you reflect upon God”s majesty and the joy of your salvation, then you are able to overcome the sorrow of the guilt of your sin. David realized the truth of this principle as He prayed,

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12)

Do you need a fresh reminder of the joy of God’s salvation? The Levites oriented the people’s focus upon God and they were able to celebrate the day because they understood the encouragement from God’s word,

So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” All the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.  (Nehemiah 8:11-12)

What is the source of your strength? When you have a clear understanding of God’s word and the ramifications for your life, then you too will exclaim, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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