20/08/2025
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV) says:
âDo not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.â
Hereâs the context and explanation:
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The Setting
⢠After the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, Ezra the scribe read the Book of the Law to the people (Nehemiah 8:1â8).
⢠As they heard Godâs Word, the people became sorrowful and wept, realizing how far they had strayed from His commands.
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Nehemiahâs Response
⢠Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites encouraged the people not to stay in grief but to celebrate, because God had restored them and given them hope.
⢠Instead of mourning, they were told to rejoice and share food and drink with others, marking it as a holy day.
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Meaning of âThe Joy of the LORDâ
⢠Itâs not just human happiness but a deep, spiritual gladness rooted in Godâs presence, forgiveness, and promises.
⢠This joy flows from knowing God is faithful, merciful, and with His people even after their failures.
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âIs Your Strengthâ
⢠Their strength didnât come from their own ability, but from resting in Godâs joy over them.
⢠Joy acts like a spiritual fuel: it empowers, sustains, and gives resilience against discouragement.
đ° Application Today
⢠When we feel overwhelmed by guilt, hardship, or discouragement, God doesnât want us stuck in sorrow.
⢠His joy the assurance of His love, forgiveness, and presence becomes our strength to endure and move forward.