December Meditation #4

“....the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This work is done!

The wall is finished!

Ezra stood in the pulpit and read from the book of Moses the people stood and wept as he read the law.

God’s Word moved them emotionally because of what they sacrificed to hear it!

But when you read in Nehemiah chapter 4 it says, “the strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed”.

The people were exhausted!

Their enemy was actively engaged in the art of discouragement.

They were threatened and often physically attacked.

Later in chapter 4 every citizen was armed with a sword and when a trumpet was blown everyone ran to that side of the wall to fight the enemy attack.

Most the the people gave everything they owned to see the work of the Lord come to fruition!

They were completely sold out!

Is that where you are today?

Are you worn out already from the planning, the preparations, the parties, the programs, and all the people?

Do you feel your “strength is decayed”?

As someone who deals with severe chronic fatigue, I feel that way a lot. If I am not careful I can let those feelings steal my joy in serving Jesus.

We have...

Jobs

Marriages

Children

Ministries

Family relationships

The list goes on.....!

All of these things and the amount and measure of them can get wearisome and if we aren't careful they can steal our joy.

One of the things that stood out to me was where the people received joy!

It came from God’s Word!

God's Word will restore my depleted joy!

God’s Word can restore your depleted joy!

Reading, listening, and meditating on the works and the Word of God restores my joy!

Remembering what He has done for me in the past and how He has always been faithful restores my joy!

And....listening to good Christmas music...Nice. And. Loud....helps restore my joy!

All of these things refocus my mind back on Jesus!

The joy of Christmas!

The joy of every other time of year as well!

“Oh Let the joy of Jesus put a smile upon your face!

Oh Let the joy of Jesus every little frown erase!

Proclaim His grace with a happy face

Let His glory shine!

And show the joy of Jesus on your face!”

~Ron Hamilton ~