THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH

Have you ever wondered where THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH comes from? Here is the back-story…

Babylon conquered Judah, who remained in captivity 70 years, give or take. Nehemiah, one of the captives at the time Cyrus the Great became ruler of Babylon, asked the King for favor to go back home to rebuild his city and the gates, which lay in ruins. Permission was granted and, all alone, under the cloak of darkness Nehemiah surveyed all the damage. He said nothing to those who would be doing the work, until he returned with a plan. Nehemiah then unveiled the plan God placed in his heart for rebuilding, and the sentiment of everyone was unanimous – LET’S REBUILD! Sinister opposition tried to derail the work but, in just 52 days, all the walls and gates around the city were rebuilt. The gatekeepers, musicians and Levites were assigned, people settled into their towns and 7 months later they gathered together in the center of the city. A huge, high stage was set up so everyone could see and hear, and Ezra began to read from the Books of the Law of Moses as the Levites explained everything to the people, men, women and children, so they understood what was being read. Hearing the Words caused deep mourning because the people came face-to-face with the fact they had neglected to give God the glory, respect and honor deserved. The fear of the Lord was absent.

And now, that most amazing verse: 

The Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the JOY of the LORD is your strength. Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. 

I believe we are standing on similar ground today – ruined walls of injustice and famine for Truth lay all around us. For decades we have pushed God out of our independent, free society and our country lies in ruins, just as surely as Judah did in 600 AD. The only difference, at this point at least, is we have not physically been taken into captivity… yet we are captives, in our homes, in our country, in our hearts. 

I’m coming to understand, more clearly every day, that grumbling against what seems to be holding us captive doesn’t set us free, and in fact just tightens the grip of fear and frustration abounding all around. Reading, learning, studying, knowing what assures us the favor, love, presence, grace and power of God is crucial for our lives, for our country, for the world today. Captivity is a mind-game today, but in a blink of an eye this could change to virtual reality. Only our heart-condition will keep us, no matter the circumstances, in the freedom for which Christ died to set us free.

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH, and we, God's people, standing in THE TRUTH that sets us free, will see God’s victory, just as sure as those in the back-story of Nehemiah 8:10. 

If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Sorrow lasts through the night, but JOY comes in the morning... (mourning?) Psalm 30:5

May the Joy of the Lord be our strength as we proclaim God’s Word throughout our city, state, country and the whole world.  

All for God’s Glory and Honor,

Sue McCary Sargis  5/27/2020