Through the Bible: NehemiahSample

Renew His Joy in You

And 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 wept as they heard the words of the Law. 

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.” 

 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

Nehemiah 8:9-10, 12 (ESV)

These chapters see Nehemiah and Ezra reviving the Israelites’ faith and lifestyle. Nothing was more important than re-aligning the nation back to the Lord after rebuilding the wall and Temple.  Nehemiah invited the scribe, Ezra, to read God’s Law, as it was long forgotten by the Israelites. When the crowd heard the Law, they were weeping as they realised how far they have drifted away from God, who loved and protected them so much despite their repeated sins. Nehemiah sensed their repentant hearts and encouraged them with verses 8 to 10, asking them to rely on God from now on and experience a renewed sense of joy in Him. The crowd confessed their sins (ch.9) and declared their obedience to the Law (ch.10).

Prayer

Father God, when things go smoothly, we are easily distracted by our own achievements, focusing on attaining more and forgetting that You are the director of the universe and our Jehovah Jireh. We shall not grieve over our toil or be distracted by our earthly ‘success’ like the Israelites, who ended up straying from You Lord.  You are our source of joy and strength. Without You, we are merely slaves of the world.  Thank You for saving us, Father, in Jesus' name, Amen.