THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH! (Nehemiah 8:10)
The words of Nehemiah during the difficult days he faced in trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem serve us well to remind us that even during trials and hardships, we can find joy for living through our relationship with God; indeed, we are commanded to do so in James 1:2-4. Some Christians have the idea that we are to go about life sad faced with a grim countenance, pointing out all the sins of others with the lengthy list of the failures of our culture. To be sure, we are to grieve the unbelief and rebellion of others, and even weep at times over these offenses against God, but the overriding message of our life is to be “joy in our Lord”. The apostle Paul, who lived in evil and challenging times, said we are to “rejoice in the Lord at all times” in both 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Philippians 4:4. This world we live in is getting more violent and harsh as the days go by, but we are to be “sons of the Light” and to offer a joy, peace and love that is in sharp contrast to the darkness of the times. We cannot do this if all we do is go around with what appears to be an angry outlook that only condemns, but demonstrates nothing that is better for them to believe in. Again, lest I be misunderstood, I know we need to speak truth in love to all, but it should be covered in the grace that we have received from the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to offer the forgiveness and reconciliation that only Jesus can give a person. Let’s be sure that the overwhelming message of our life is the goodness of God as we let the Holy Spirit use us as lamps for others to find Christ! (Matthew 5:14-16)