Nehemiah 8:10  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.

This verse recalls the Jewish people returning to God after 70 years’ in Babylonian captivity: they no longer need to mourn, for God’s strength is now their joy.  We, too, can call on the joy of The Lord, in freeing us from sin and darkness, to strengthen us.  He daily provides our joy and strength through freedom IN CHRIST. When you feel grief, restlessness or difficulty,  repeat “the joy of The Lord is my strength”; His joy infuses the soul with deep contentment and lasting persistence.  We are made in His image, so His true joy becomes our truest identity full of joy. Allow the heart to be released from the captivity of discontentment by receiving the Lord’s strengthening joy.

Photo: Banff National Park, Canada