The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

In the midst of mourning and grief, Nehemiah instructed God's people to stop weeping and begin rejoicing in the Lord because "it is your strength." Our joy in the Lord will overcome and overwhelm any sorrow and brokenness in our life.

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A Review of the historical setting for Nehemiah 8

The conditions out of which their joy arose.

1. The preaching of the Word.  A distinct and clear declaration of the Word of God.

2. A conviction of the Holy Spirit.  They were weeping, showing their brokenness over disobedience to God's Word.

The cause of their joy. 

What caused them to have joy in the midst of their brokenness?

1. The realization of their forgiveness.  Compare Psalm 32 & 51

2. They understood God's Word.  The  understanding of God's Word produced a joy in them, so much so that they came back for more (v.13)

Their joy was a product of knowing they were forgiven and understanding the Word of God.

The characteristics of their joy.

1. It was "in the Lord."   Note: it was not in the music, the fun, or the antics of the preacher.  Their joy didn't rest in hearing "a positive message", but arose out of words which brought conviction.

2. It was their strength.  It invigorated them, sustained them, and overcame their mourning.

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