While preparing a five-minute talk on JOY, I remembered a wonderful verse from Nehemiah. “The JOY of the Lord is my strength!” The Israelites had been captured by the Babylonians and many had been transported to Babylon. But when the Persians overthrew the Babylonians, the new king released some of the people to return to their homeland and rebuild their beloved Jerusalem. At the time, Nehemiah served as cupbearer for the Persian king.

Amid the concern for his people, he ran across a man who had just returned from Jerusalem. He inquired of this fellow Israelite as to the progress of the reconstruction. The report was not good. The people were in disgrace; the walls around the city had crumbled and the people couldn’t work for being attacked by their enemies.

Nehemiah grieved at this devastating report. He fasted and prayed until God gave him an answer. The next day he was required to serve the king, the monarch asked why he appeared in distress. Nehemiah reported what he’d heard, and then asked permission to journey to Jerusalem and oversea the rebuilding of the walls.

He experienced opposition on all fronts, but finally the walls were restored. But some of the older people looked around the city and grieved the splendor of days gone by. Nehemiah called the people together and Ezra the priest read from the Book of the Law from early morning until after noon. He explained the Holy Scriptures verse by verse so the people might understand. When he had finished, Nehemiah encouraged the people to celebrate with their family and friends. He told them, “Don’t be dejected and sad for the JOY of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b)

In this new season of my life, I often long for a few years ago when Charlie and I were healthy and content. We traveled with our friends; enjoyed our townhouse at the beach; and did our own yard work. A great contrast to our current conditions of confinement within the walls of our home and the numerous visits to the doctor. With the presence of CPAP and oxygen machines, lift recliners and walkers our house resembles a nursing home.

Not only do we grieve our physical circumstances, but our hearts ache for our country and the condition of the world. The people have lost their connection with God; the streets are filled with violence and destruction; our politicians no longer stand for truth and justice; integrity and strength of character are no longer valued. We fear everything but God. Where is the hope? Where is the JOY? Where is the peace?

Amid our pain and longing for the “good ole days,” the Apostle Paul calls us to learn contentment in all circumstances. (Philippians 4:11-13) Complaining only leads to bitterness while praying and trusting each day to the Lord instills hope and that remarkable JOY that we find in Him. As the Psalmist sang, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of JOY; at your right hand are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11, ESV)

We look up and remember the prophet’s words from long ago. “The JOY of the Lord is our strength.”

Pray with me. Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done, in earth, as it is in heaven. Father, in your presence we find JOY, even amid the chaos of a fallen world. Open our eyes and ears to see what you see and hear what you hear. Help us to pray what is on your heart. May we hate sin as you do but love with hearts of forgiveness. Bring peace amid the conflict and hope where all seems lost. Teach us to be slow to anger, quick to forgive and always to follow the example of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.