The Joy of the Lord

Yesterday, as I was thinking about a word of rest for the weekend the word that came to mind was enjoy.  It set me to searching for Scripture about enjoying God.

I came across this passage in Nehemiah and was moved.

The priest, Ezra, has been reading the Book of the Law to the people of Israel who have returned from exile to Jerusalem.  As Ezra reads the people enter into worship.  They weep as they listen to the words of the Law.  Then, the governor, Nehemiah proclaims this as a holy day.  He tells them:

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.  This day is holy to our Lord.  Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

What struck me was that on a day holy to the Lord, they are instructed to enjoy food and drink.  They are to enjoy the goodness of God.  They are to be generous.  And out of this Nehemiah says, “The joy of the LORD is your strength.”

It is joy in the Lord as we rest that is our strength for the times where we work.

Isn’t that amazing?

So, this weekend…

Enjoy the Lord. 

Celebrate His goodness.

Generously share that which He has given you.

May joy in Him be your strength for the week to come.

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Grace and peace be ours in abundance as we live knowing that the joy of the LORD is our strength.

Jessica :)