Joy is the greatest weapon against the failure of our emotions. It’s a choice we must make if we want to live a life of faith.

The phrase “The joy of the Lord is our strength” came during a particular time in history. After Nehemiah led the people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, they did so amid much opposition. The people were tired, and their resources were depleted. Joy was the last thing they imagined was possible.

As a result, because the people were joyless, Ezra stood and read from the law of Moses. It was a reminder of their heritage, expressed in God’s word, that would remind the people of the kind of joy they should have in their lives. Ezra “Faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law” (Nehemiah 8:3). 

“Then Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people chanted, ‘Amen! Amen!’ as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground” (vs. 6). The Levitical priests “Then clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage” (vs. 8).

In unison, Nehemiah, Ezra, and all priests said, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God. For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law” (vs. 9).

Nehemiah then told the people to feast and celebrate, and then he said, “This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (vs. 10).

As a result of that encouragement,  “The people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them” (vs.12).

To the natural mind, there is a lot taking place in the world that can make a person joyless. We don’t serve under such an influence. We serve the living God, the Redeemer of all things. In a joyless season of life, it’s hearing God’s word once again that will remind us to rekindle our joy in the Lord and shift the focus of our lives from depression to joy. 

Our joy in a challenging season of life will be the strongest evidence against those who tried to defeat us and push us toward living a joyless life.   The joy of the Lord is truly our strength. In the New Covenant, every day with God is sacred. Follow that joy. It is the only way forward.