Thursday - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

Read: Nehemiah 8:10-12; I John 1:9

Key Verse: "...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)

The people were weeping, and Nehemiah told them to feast. That almost feels surprising. The Word had cut them, exposed them, shown them their sin. But Nehemiah says: Don't stay there. Don't let sorrow be the final word.

Why? Because God's Word doesn't just show us our sin. It also shows us our Saviour. And if Israel could rejoice under the covering of the sacrifices, how much more can we rejoice under the cleansing of the blood of Jesus Christ!

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). When you confess, God forgives instantly, freely, completely, and permanently.

But maybe you've confessed your sin... and you don't feel forgiven. Hear this: your forgiveness is not anchored in your feelings. It is anchored in the facts of God's Word. Feelings go up and down like the stock market, but "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89). God said it, and that settles it. He said He would forgive, so act forgiven. Notice verse 12: the people went their way to eat, to drink, and to make great mirth, "because they had understood the words that were declared unto them." They acted on the Word, and the joy followed.

Reflect:
-           Are you carrying sorrow over a sin God has already forgiven?
-           What would it look like today to act forgiven and walk in joy?