The Joy of the L*rd is Your Strength

Week 3 - Day 15

In Nehemiah 10, Ezra and others read aloud the Book of the Law of Moses. This occurred after the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. It was a very emotional time for those listening, and they started to weep. Nehemiah said, "... this day is holy to our L*rd. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the L*rd is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

Samson had a secret to his strength. It was found in the events surrounding his birth and the Nazarite vow he took (which was confirmed by not cutting his hair). It gave him a decisive advantage in life by having supernatural strength. People were astonished at what he could do.

Do we have a secret to our strength? Is there something that gives us unusual vigor and power? Is there something we can tap into that helps move us from "strength to strength"?

Listen to this: "Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength..." (Psalm 84:5-7). The Valley of Baca is literally the "valley of weeping." A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place. Supernatural strength will increase to those who move forward on a pilgrimage to transform hopelessness into places of life and joy. This life-attitude of turning our problem into our opportunity will cause us to find strength, and then move us from "strength to strength" in ways that will amaze others and ourselves.

Let's practice joy. We can start by asking G*d for a revelation of the truth that the greatest thing we need is a new way of looking at life. Pray this with me: "Jesus, I ask you to cause me to see Your goodness and Your promises like never before. Help me to celebrate these, even in my Valley of Baca."

Declaration: The joy of the L*rd is my strength. I am increasing in joy daily. It is a secret in my life for endurance and power (spiritual strength). I am going from strength to strength in my life.