Don't Lose Your Joy

Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Today's Text: Nehemiah 8:10

Key Verse: Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Nehemiah 8:10 is set in the context of the Jews' return to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. They were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, which was completed while the city walls still remained in ruins. And Nehemiah, a Jewish leader, was granted permission by King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city walls: a task they successfully completed despite opposition. So, the Jews, after the walls were rebuilt, gathered in the square before the Water Gate to hear the reading of the Law by Ezra, the priest. As the people listened, they began to weep and mourn over their sins.

It is in this context that Nehemiah delivers the message in today's text. He tells the people not to grieve or mourn, but to rejoice and celebrate, for the joy of the Lord is their strength. He encourages them to eat, drink, and share with those in need, for this day is holy to the Lord. The importance of joy and celebration in our journey of faith, even in the midst of pain or repentance and sorrow can never be overemphasized. Therefore, let us be reminded of the importance of joy in our Christian walk. The Israelites had just finished rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and were gathered to hear the reading of the Law. As they listened, they began to weep and mourn over their sins. But Nehemiah stopped them, telling them not to grieve, for the joy of the Lord was their strength.

If you ever felt like losing your joy, or circumstances of life are draining you of your happiness, and you are left feeling empty and weak; then understand that that's exactly what the enemy wants. He always seeks to steal our joy and leave us feeling powerless. God is sending His word through Nehemiah so that we can do everything possible under God not to lose our joy. God is reminding us that our joy is not based on our circumstances, but on Him, the Lord. It is the joy that comes from Him that gives strength. It is His joy that sustains us in the toughest of times. Therefore, do all diligence so that the enemy does not rob you of your spiritual joy in Christ. Strengthen your relationship with God through consistent prayer and Bible study. Let go of worries whether about the past or future. Develop a grateful heart for all God's blessings in your life and others'. Surround yourself with positive influences, including supportive friends and family.

Action Steps: Ask God to fill you with His joy and to help you to find strength in Him. Focus on God's goodness. Reflect on the blessings and goodness of God in your life, and let that bring you joy. Share your joy with others. Look for opportunities to spread joy and happiness to those around you.

Quote for the Day: "Joy eludes most people of this world because they thiught it comes from things, or they thought it's the absence of trouble, but they are wrong. Joy only comes from God." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, asking for Your joy to fill my heart. Help me to find strength in You, even when circumstances are tough. Remind me of Your goodness and blessings in my life, and help me to share that joy with others. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may be empowered to live a life of joy and strength — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 16:11; John 15:11; and 1 Peter 1:8-9.

Read the Bible Through in One Year Plan: Job 15; Job 16; Job 17 and Job 18.

Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.

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With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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