Godffirmation is a God blog and a God brand. It offers confirmation and affirmation based on the scriptures.

Key Scriptures: Psalm 16:11 and Nehemiah 8:10

I love a good comedy. Martin Lawrence had a show that was always filled with laughter. In the eyes of some, the show was about black buffoonery. It was a hit in many sectors of the black community. The jokes that the characters in the setting of an apartment building, bar and workplace made gave many a good laugh. But, laughter is not continuous. Sometimes we cannot stop laughing, but eventually you will.

Joy on the other hand is something God can give you. The old song says “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me.” An oldie but goodie in the church. The emphasis I am placing on it is, ‘this joy’. It is not a feeling but an experience. In the book of Nehemiah, there is an often quoted verse that says “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” In context, this not a time to laugh, they were going to read the book of the law (see Nehemiah 8). The word strength defined is a fortified place or defense according to Strongs Concordance (Nehemiah 8:10).

The book of Nehemiah is a book about the rebuilding of Jerusalem. His contemporary Ezra (another book of the bible) also wrote about the rebuilding of the temple. Nehemiah was helping to fulfill a prophecy of Daniel. This was not easy and if you have read the book of Nehemiah, he had some enemies try to stop the work of the Lord. With background knowledge, this text takes on a different meaning. Nehemiah’s name means God comforts.

Ezra was a priest and he read the Book of the Law of God. The residents of Jerusalem were participating in a celebration in Nehemiah 8. During this time, they are called to repent and be restored to God after a season of wayward behavior. They were not focusing on God, but God’s word is true and will not return to Him void. God sent his servant home with the permission of King Artaxeres. The Jewish leaders are edifying and exhorting the people. They needed strength to rebuild Jerusalem and also live their lives in alignment with God’s plan. In God and Him alone is strength.

What have you been grappling with that is sapping your strength? Use the book of Nehemiah as a guide to encourage you to rest patiently in God. He will always be present and available to be help in the time of need. You need the joy of the Lord to strengthen you to handle what has been coming your way!

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Sources:

https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Nehemiah.html

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+8&version=NKJV