Year of the Bible: Part Six of Twelve Prøve

The Joy of the Lord Nehemiah, Ezra, and fifty thousand people gathered together to read the words of the Law aloud, and when the people heard and understood, they wept! Nehemiah encouraged the people, saying, "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." What "joy" was Nehemiah referring to when he encouraged the people? The Lord's joy was that He and his people were finally reunited! The Israelites' history with God was rough, and they often abandoned God and traded him for the idols and demonic gods of other nations. Nehemiah encouraged the people to notice God's steadfast and loyal love toward them. God proved His faithfulness and love by bringing them home and setting His presence in their midst once again. We, too, can find deep encouragement in the truth that God is near us, and we can find contentment in knowing He delights over us, despite our frailty and brokenness. The joy of the Lord is your strength! Question: Do you act like you must be perfect before coming to God? If yes, where did that thinking come from seeing that it is not biblically true? Prayer: God, you saw me when I was far off, and you see me now. You know everything about me, and I can't hide anything from you. Help me remember my first love... that is, Your love toward me! Transform me and conform me into the likeness of your Son. In the place of mourning and weeping over my mistakes, brokenness, and shortcomings, let me find new joy in your eyes and words. In Jesus' name, Amen!