Daily Devotional - Times of Refreshing - WK24 - 6/8/25 - Day 159 - "Joy That Sustains"

Author: Evangelist Crystal Poston

“Joy that Sustains”
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10
 
"Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Devotion:
After the Israelites returned to Jerusalem from exile, they heard the Law which was read aloud by Ezra.  The Israelites were convicted of their disobedience and began to weep. Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites, however, instructed them to celebrate instead, letting them know that the day was holy, and they should be joyful and not sorrowful. They encouraged them to feast, share with those in need, and rejoice, because understanding God's Word was a reason for celebration. When we read the Word of God for ourselves, or hear the Word preached by our Pastor, we will sometimes be convicted by the message. We may choose to repent for our disobedience, which should be the response, but one thing this Scripture makes us aware of is that we are not to be sorrowful. When we think of “the joy of the Lord,” we must remember that joy serves as a source of our strength, helping us to face challenges with strength. A person suffering from a physical ailment or pain, but who is filled with joy, will survive much better than a discouraged person with the same condition.  Many times, you will hear people motivate the sick by encouraging them to think and speak positively during their journey. Having a relationship with God will give us the power needed to live with hope during times of trouble, knowing that He will give us strength to sustain.

Prayer:
Father, we thank You for filling our hearts with joy. We ask that You strengthen us to use Your joy when we are going through challenging times; knowing that You give us power and resilience to overcome challenges and endure hardships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.