Real Joy

Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1 

“…’This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’…the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.”

Nehemiah 8:9, 10, 17

There is great joy in knowing and obeying God’s Word to us. When we align our heart and our spirit with God’s Word and Spirit, our fellowship with the Lord is renewed. This inner joy and peace cannot be found any other way or in any other place. Some are looking for this joy by accumulating possessions, exotic vacations, new adventurers, new romantic relationships, and many other fleeting distractions. Joy is experienced in our heart as we turn fully toward the Lord, listen to his Word, and live in obedience to what we hear. This inner joy is the work of the Holy Spirit within us and deeply strengthens us. When we celebrate the Lord, we experience joy. When we celebrate ourselves, we remain empty.

“Lord Jesus, you are my joy, for your glory.”