Nehemiah 8:10b

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“The joy (chedvah: rejoicing, gladness) of the LORD is your strength (ma`owz: fortress, rock, place of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold).”

SUMMARY

The joy and gladness of the LORD is your rock and fortress, your place of safety and strength.

MEDITATION

As I’ve said before, I think this verse summarizes quite accurately why the Body of Christ often seems so lethargic, tired and puny. If the joy of the LORD is our strength, then one can also assume that one who lacks the joy of the LORD also lacks strength. The strength that the LORD gives is not an earthly one rooted in physical or mental toughness, it is however, as we see in this verse, a supernatural dwelling place. Today, take a good hard look at your inner man, won’t you? Are the duties and obligations of your day fueled by dwelling in this refuge of strength that is the joy and gladness of the LORD?