Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah
8:10

Have you ever noticed how children, after being disciplined, have
a natural tendency to quickly return to the joy of being a kid,
ready to re-enter the carefree hours of fun and imagination? Why
is it that adults seem to have lost this ability? This was the
problem the Israelites encountered after they recognized the
discipline of the Word of God in their rebellious hearts. They
grieved over their sin to the point of losing their focus on Him
and, consumed by regret, forgot to return to their reason for
joy.

Oh, how sweet the words of Nehemiah from today's verse in the
midst of their weeping. He helped them recognize it was a day to
celebrate! God's Word had been restored to its rightful place in
the hearts of His people. They had regained their identity as the
Children of God and they were no longer to grieve, but instead
embrace His mercy.

As you come before the Lord today, put Him and His Word in its
rightful place in your life. Pray that His Word be fully restored
in your home, your community…and then your nation. Turn toward
the strength found in God's joy.