Do you sometimes feel absolutely wretched – separated from God and following His ways? The people in the time of Ezra felt like this. Ezra read God’s Word to them, and the people wept. They understood how far they had fallen from God’s commandments. But Ezra encouraged them, and those same words are offered to us – “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10). The Hebrew word “strength” means “a place or means of safety, protection refuge, or stronghold.” The joy of the Lord is a constant gladness and cause to rejoice. It stems from an inner strengthening of our relationship with Him. God wants to be our stronghold and place of refuge every day. When Paul and Silas were in prison singing, the joy of the LORD was their strength (Acts 16:25). When Jesus was on the cross forgiving those crucifying him, the joy of the LORD was his strength (Luke 23:34). When you experience hardship or feel unworthy, let the joy of the LORD be your strength. As you wake up each morning, let your first thought be, ”The joy of the LORD is my strength!” Open Bible – https://bit.ly/neh8v10, https://bit.ly/act16v25, https://bit.ly/luk23v34
