The JOY of the Lord is our Strength - Guest Post by Richard Casey

“The modern philosopher had told me again and again that I was in the right place, and I still felt depressed even in acquiescence. But I had heard that I was in the wrong place, and my soul sang for joy like a bird in spring.” ― G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy

We Christians are frequently in the habit of adopting the ways of thinking of the prevailing culture, or we assume God is a certain way, that He will do this or that thing, or we conclude that our circumstances are one way or another. Routinely, we make false assumptions about the way things are, or about God. Mercifully, however, God is the master of paradox and surprise endings. We see this clearly in the Beatitudes. The meek will inherit the Earth; the mournful will be comforted; the persecuted are blessed. The Gospel challenges our expectations. Remorse for sin and confession result in forgiveness, and healing. The sorrow of death leads to the joy of the resurrection. The danger for us is that we get trapped by our own notions, group think, or the the spirit of the age, and fail to discern what God is really up to. 

In the 8th chapter of the book of Nehemiah we read the fascinating story of Nehemiah and the reading of the Law. The Israelites had returned to Jerusalem after their release from Persia under the King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah was Governor, and Ezra the High Priest. In the narrative the people are brought together and the Law of Moses is read, translated (the Israelites would likely have spoken Chaldean) and explained. The crowd, upon hearing the Law read to them were distressed, saddened and wept. Hearing the Law of Moses did not bring them them joy, but rather sadness and distress. Their veil of complacency was removed, and they saw their spiritual condition as it truly was. The reaction of Nehemiah and Ezra, however, was not one of reprimand or reproof, but rather they declared the day holy and told everyone to return to their homes and have a party, rejoice, and share what they have with those in need! The people were told to do this because “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”

So, what do we make of this story? How do we find joy in the revelation of our complacency and the unveiling of truth? The self discovery of our own sin is really a mercy of God. As Christians this revelation brings remorse, confession and forgiveness. This forgiveness brings healing and joy, and this joy is a blessing to be shared. The Israelites under Nehemiah and Ezra show us the proper response to the unveiling of truth in our lives. Throw a party and share your blessings from God. This, after all, is the Gospel.