The Joy of the Lord

“The joy of the Lord is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10

Ezra the priest read the Book of the Law aloud from early morning to noon on a high wooden platform, even to the children old enough to understand.  Then he and other priests interpreted God's Word to them, helping them to understand.  The people started weeping as they listened. Perhaps they felt guilty, perhaps ashamed that they were not obeying. Perhaps they felt God's overwhelming love. Why do we cry when we read God's Word and understand it? 

Then Nehemiah the Prophet said, "Don't weep on such a day as this! Go and celebrate, share gifts of food with those who have nothing. This is a sacred day before God. Don't be dejected and sad, for the JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH!" Then the people went away to eat and drink a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they heard God's Words and UNDERSTOOD them."  Two things. One, to hear and read God's Word, and to understand it, is something to celebrate. Joy is the fruit because God's Word is a seed planted in our hearts and it will bear fruit in due season.  Two, when we celebrate and eat good food, we must share with those who have nothing to eat. When we have parties, we must not forget the people God does not forget.

O Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Word. May I never take it for granted! Your word is my delight. May it find a place in the fertile soil of my heart so that Your joy will be my strength.  May I also remember those You love, those You do not forget-  the hungry, those in prison, those who are sick, the widows and the orphans. May I do what I can, where I am, with what I have. Amen.