In Nehemiah 8, as Ezra the scribe read the Book of the Law of Moses before a great assembly in Jerusalem, the people were reverent and attentive. As early morning progressed to midday, they were humbled and heartbroken by what they were hearing. Their generation was living in and rebuilding amidst the consequences of ignoring and rebelling against the LORD, the great God. “All the people wept as they heard the words of the Law” (8:9).
But before the assembly dispersed, Nehemiah and Ezra wanted the people to hear something loud and clear:
“This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep… Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (8:9-10)
In our assemblies yesterday, we sang some powerful, encouraging, perspective-shaping anthems…
God is so good. Jesus is real. He saved my soul. I praise his name.
…and today, the joy of the LORD is our strength. Yesterday we sang…
Closing my eyes at eve and thinking of Heaven’s grace,
Longing to see my Lord, yes, meeting Him face to face;
Trusting Him as my all wheresoever my footsteps roam,
Pleading with Him to guide me on to the spirits’ home!
– Thomas R. Sweatman (1917)
…and today, the joy of the LORD is our strength. Yesterday we sang…
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all!
– Isaac Watters (1707)
…and today, the joy of the LORD is our strength. Yesterday we sang…
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
– Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1892)
…and today, the joy of the LORD is our strength. Yesterday we sang…
My sin—O the bliss of this glorious tho’t!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
– Horatio G. Spafford (1873)
…and today, the joy of the LORD is our strength. Yesterday we sang…
The kingdoms of earth pass away one by one,
But the kingdom of heaven remains;
It is built on a rock and the Lord is its King,
And forever and ever He reigns.
– Henry R. Trickett (1887)
…and today, the joy of the LORD is our strength. Yesterday we sang…
O heart bowed down with sorrow,
O eyes that long for sight,
There’s gladness in believing,
In Jesus there is light.
“Come unto me all ye that labor
And are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me,
For I am meek and lowly in heart,
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
– Franklin E. Belden (1895)
…and today, the joy of the LORD is our strength.
We often say in the church family I’m blessed to be a part of, “Sunday is the best day of the week.” There’s lots of reasons. I hope one is crystal clear to you as this new workweek begins. On Sundays, the joy of the LORD is our song. On Mondays, the joy of the LORD is our strength.
What about you? What did you sing yesterday that is providing strength for today?