Daily devotional · May 16
Joy Is Strength
“Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.””
After the exile, the people gathered in Jerusalem and heard the Law read aloud, and many began to weep. They saw how far they had wandered. Nehemiah and the other leaders said something surprising: do not grieve, because this is a holy day. Go, celebrate with good food and share with those who have none, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Conviction is real, but God does not intend it to end in despair. Hearing his word is meant to lead toward joy and generosity. Notice that the feast includes people who could not provide for themselves. Joy in Scripture is rarely private. Today, do something festive and generous: cook a little extra, invite someone over, or give to someone in need. Let your gratitude become practical and see what it does to your strength.
Prayer
God, let your joy be my strength. Turn my gratitude into generosity toward someone in need.