What does the joy of the Lord is your strength mean?

The joy we experience as we live for God is an inner quality that empowers our every step. Nehemiah chapter eight records a milestone God's people reached in taking control of their lives and future. After years in captivity, the children of Israel regained the wherewithal to again follow the commandments God had given to Moses. They journeyed to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall of the city. The events of the first day of the seventh month were especially memorable. The annual feast of trumpets began with a morning gathering.

Nehemiah 8:1,3,5,8 "And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday... And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people... and when he opened it, all the people stood up: So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."

From morning until midday, the believers spent heartfelt, quality time together in the scriptures. Having assimilated the richness of God's Word, each individual was empowered to move ahead as a new version of themselves, with increased understanding and renewed vitality. This newfound strength for daily living was cause for great celebration, which they were encouraged to do. They were also cautioned not to let the devastation of the past occupy their thoughts.

Nehemiah 8:9,10,12 "And Nehemiah... and Ezra... and the Levites that taught the people, said... This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 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. And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them."

Free to live victoriously, they celebrated that day with profound happiness. In the days following, they moved forward, transformed with lasting joy.