January 23, 2026
Then he said to them, Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our LORD. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength
The wall is built, the city is secured, the families are organized, registered, and settled. The Israelites have gathered to hear the Word of God and a community. Ezra read the Word to them and the Levites explained God’s Word so that they understood what they were hearing. Hearing these words they began to realize their failure in remembering and following the Word of the Lord, which brought them great sorrow and remorse.
Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. v9
C. H. Spurgeon describes the condition of the people as they heard the law: "The vast congregation … were awakened and cut to the heart; they felt the edge of the law of God like a sword opening up their hearts, tearing, cutting, and killing, and well might they lament. But that was the time to let them feel the gospel's balm and hear the gospel's music."
God does want us to be remorseful and repent of our sin, which is revealed through his word and for us – the Holy Spirit. It may cut to our hearts at first, but his grace and forgiveness that follows bring overwhelming peace, followed by joy. He does not want us to live in remorse, shame, or guilt. When we repent, we find security, joy, peace, forgiveness, grace, and so much more in our covenant with him. Our sin is gone, washed clean in the blood.
The people were sent off to praise and worship God, not weep and mourn. They were reminded that their joy was found in the Lord and that joy from the Lord was their strength, as is true for us as well!
Are you looking somewhere else for joy? In some worldly pleasure that will someday be destroyed by moths? In a perfect family, marriage? In a flush bank account, a big house, or the perfect career? None of these things will satisfy us and give us the joy and strength that comes from our Lord. Even the people in our lives – which are the greatest treasures and blessings he gives us on earth – will fill the role of Lord and Savior in our hearts. The joy and the strength he gives never fails. They are never ending.
Our position (as sons and daughters adopted into a royal priesthood) and joy in the Lord, produces our strength. We have the strength of the Lord when we find our joy in him alone. Remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength!
