Key Scriptures: Nehemiah 8:9-12
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
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Joy: joy is a gladness in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit as he makes us aware of—and we savor—the glory of Christ in the Word and in his creation.
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Lesson One: The joy of the Lord is our stronghold.
• Our delight in Christ is a refuge from the sin and wrath of God
Nehemiah 8:10b, And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 1:11, O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
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Lesson Two: Joy does not come from the absence of sorrow—joy comes from the presence of God.
• Joy in the Lord puts the other emotions of life into perspective
Psalm 16:11, You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
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Lesson Three: Joy is a discipline that must be cultivated
• The more Christlike that we are—the more our joy increases
Nehemiah 8:10-11, Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”