9/26/13- The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and 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.

10 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.” (Nehemiah 8:9,10)

Thoughts: There was a revival going on after the wall was built in Nehemiah's day and everyone knew that God had helped them miraculously.  In the midst of such a deep awareness of God, the people were cut to the heart, recognizing their sins and being convicted that they had failed God and sinned against the Lord.  But, Nehemiah wanted them to be able to rejoice on this holy, festival day- but they could not.  Nehemiah, however gave them this great verse- "The joy of the Lord is your strength."
    When we are grieving, when our lives are sad, when things are falling apart- it is important to remember where our joy lies.  God makes us strong through His joy.  It is not the happiness of the Lord that makes us strong.  Happiness infers no rain or sadness at all.  Rather it is God's joy that transcends circumstances that makes us strong in the tough circumstances. God's joy gives us strength on our journey no matter if we are rich or poor, healthy or not, fruitful or unfruitful.  God's joy is our true strength- and we will see that clearly when we get to heaven.  

Prayer: Lord, may your joy strengthen me and grant me grace.  

1/3/12- Enjoying God

What is the main goal of human life?
The main goal of human life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength."  (Nehemiah 8:10)

"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice."  (Philippians 4:4)

"The thief comes only to kill, to steal and to destroy.  I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly."  (John 10:10)

(Laughing Jesus- first saw this in 1993 in the Cuban Presbyterian Church in Havana)

Thoughts: Sometimes the world gets this idea that God is a killjoy that wants to take away our joy and life.  But God is the Creator of life, and also the Creator of Joy.  Too often we see Jesus as a pale Galilean.  Too often our image of Christians is a medieval monk whipping himself or a dour faced dressed-in-black Puritan.  There are those whose religious devotion is wrapped up in simplicity or sacrifice.  But God, who created joy, wishes us to experience it- but in the right and healthy places.  If the thing we find joy in causes our destruction or the destruction or harm of someone else, he wishes to take away that harmful joy- but also to replace it with a flavorful and healthful joy.  The Christian life does involve dying to self, but it also involves living to God.  If we find our joy in drugs- or adultery- or in bullying- you bet God would like to take that joy away and replace it with His peace, His vision for love, and His love for neighbor.  We are called to find our joy in God.  This is about like finding joy in the one you love.  If you love someone you want to be around them- talk to them- get to know them better.  So, when we love God- we find our joy in Him.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to find my joy in you.