"... the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh.8:10).
I have seen this snippet of scripture posted in memes and inscribed on wall plaques many times.
I'm sure you have too.
But to get the full impact of what these words are saying you have to recall the context...
Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the wall of Jerusalem had just been rebuilt.
This signaled a time of renewal for Israel.
To acknowledge this new beginning, Ezra and Nehemiah led a ceremony of sorts... which included the reading of God's law.
When the people heard and understood the reading, they were grieved.
They realized how far they had fallen from God's standards -- and recognized all that needed to be done to mend their ways.
As Nehemiah, Ezra and other leaders noted their sorrow, they told them not to grieve... because the joy of the Lord was their strength.
Though written over 2400 years ago, the truth of Nehemiah's exhortation continues to encourage.
If you are grieved by the state of affairs of your own life and the culture around you, do not despair...
If you are overwhelmed by all that repentance and turning to the Lord requires, do not lose heart...
The God who brings His people renewal also gives grace to see them through it.