The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength

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 8:10 (Emphasis Added)

The book of Nehemiah was written by Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, who led the people of Israel in reconstructing Jerusalem’s walls after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah 8:10 would have been what the Israelites heard after listening to the prophet Ezra rehearse the Law and reflecting on their past failures. 

Sometimes, as a mom, I feel like a failure. But I know that God’s grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). Even amidst repentance and self-reflection, we can find joy in the strength of the Lord by drawing near to God through His Word and Holy Presence, being reminded of His past history of faithfulness in our lives, and remembering what God says about us to be true.

The truth is:

God loves us (John 3:16). 

His desire is for us (Jer. 29:13).

We can approach the throne of His grace with confidence through prayer (Hebrews 4:16).

God created us uniquely, wonderfully, fearfully, lovingly, in His image (Ps. 139:14-16).

He has a master plan for our lives that contributes to the masterpiece of His glory (Rom. 8:28).

We are a chosen, royal priesthood—made to praise and delight in God’s goodness (1 Pet. 2:9).

We are more than conquerors through Christ (Rom. 8:37).

God is for us (Rom. 8:31).

Nothing can separate us from the love of God because of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:38-39).

He is leading us to green pastures and quiet streams, all the days of our lives (Ps. 23).

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

Motherhood is our season. It’s our time to thrive and make the most of every minute. It’s our time to pursue the plans and purposes the Lord has for us. It’s our time to chase the God-planted dreams inside of our hearts. It’s our time to step into the shoes of the woman God created us to be. It’s our time to mother our children with determination and delight and be the best wives we can be, all for God’s glory. It is our time.

The world is our oyster! Let’s seize every day and maximize every minute, living intentional lives to please the King. Let’s rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in our homes and in our hearts—for the joy of the Lord is our strength!

Dear Jesus,

Thank you, Lord, that you are my joy! You have a plan for my life, and your plans are good. Please help me to pursue the purposes you have for me that are for your glory. Help me to walk in step with your truth and believe what you say about me to be true. Help me to overflow with joy each day so that I inspire my children and others to draw from the wellspring of your Living Water. Thank you, Jesus, that you are the way, the truth, and the life. Help me to view my life through the lens of the eternal hope you provided for me on the cross. In Jesus’ flawless name I pray, amen.