Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 19, 2024
Nehemiah 8:8-12
8 They read aloud from the scroll, the Instruction from God, explaining and interpreting it so the people could understand what they heard. 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Don’t mourn or weep.” They said this because all the people wept when they heard the words of the Instruction. 10 “Go, eat rich food, and drink something sweet,” he said to them, “and send portions of this to any who have nothing ready! This day is holy to our LORD. Don’t be sad, because the joy from the LORD is your strength!” 11 The Levites also calmed all of the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy. Don’t be sad!” 12 Then all of the people went to eat and to drink, to send portions, and to have a great celebration because they understood what had been said to them.
Good Morning! Blessed be the name of the Lord!
This day is holy to our LORD. Don’t be sad, because the joy from the LORD is your strength!”
Twila Paris wrote a beautiful, powerful song based on this verse. Her lyrics have comforted me many times over the years. The joy of the Lord will be my strength. I will not falter, I will not faint. He is my Shepherd, I am not afraid. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord, The joy of the Lord, The joy of the Lord is my strength.
I smile when I consider God’s mysterious ways. God reaches out to me just when I need him the most. I have come to expect these nudges and revelations, but I’m still pleasantly surprised when they come. Only one who is present in my thoughts would know when I need him most.
When I opened my Bible, I thought, “Hmmm . . . I wonder what Nehemiah has to say to me today.” As I began to read today’s passage, tears of joy filled my soul. This Sunday is a day of sadness and celebration. Four years ago, Lowell finished his earthly walk and went to join his Lord and Savior. This verse and Twila Paris’ song were important and favorites to us both.
I know that Lowell is celebrating with his Lord, and one day we will be reunited in paradise. Thanks be to God for loving and caring for me today and always.
This day is holy to our LORD. Don’t be sad, because the joy from the LORD is your strength!”
Truthful God, Thank you for creating us. You are amazing! You are with us just when we need You the most. Thank you for loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Allow joy to lead you on your journey.
The joy of the Lord is my strength! Pastor Liz
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