“They said to me, ‘Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire. When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven” [Nehemiah 1:3-4 NLT]
For a book that begins on such a sad note, one of the most repeated Scriptures about JOY is found therein. “For the joy of the Lord is your strength!” [8:10]
The joy came back to these former captives (returning from captivity in Babylon) when the Word of the LORD (the law) was read to them one day … and the next day they obediently and joyfully celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. [chapter 8]
There was a grateful and joyful celebration again when the wall of protection was restored, and provisions were made for worship (the priests and Levites and their work). [chapter 12]
Joy comes from God. It originates in Him!
What began in captivity, disgrace, and mourning, ended with JOY, (WHAT JOY!) because of the Word of God, the Wall of Protection, and the Provisions for Worship.
Sounds a lot like my life. Sound like yours?
