Nehemiah 8:10 ~ “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

In the midst of the holiday season, making our lists and checking them twice, chaos and busyness often take over. There are things to do, places to be, and people to see. And as we rush through our days, it's easy to lose sight of the simple JOY that comes from knowing God intimately.

But Nehemiah's words remind us that JOY is not found in our circumstances, not in our to-do lists or the things we think we need to do to feel fulfilled. True JOY is a gift from God, a deep, unshakable sense of peace that doesn’t depend on what's happening around us. It is the quiet strength of the Holy Spirit within us that carries us through every season, whether it’s joyful or stressful.

In Nehemiah 8:10, the people of Israel were grieving, overwhelmed by their sin and the brokenness around them. Yet Nehemiah encouraged them not to focus on their struggles but to celebrate the goodness of the Lord. "Do not grieve, for the JOY of the LORD is your strength." This JOY is not about being happy all the time, but about finding strength in God's presence, knowing He is with us, even when life feels difficult.

This Christmas season, take time to pause and remember that the JOY of the Lord is your strength. It’s not about having everything perfect or completing every task, it’s about resting in the assurance that God’s JOY is available to you, always.

Take moments to celebrate, to share JOY with others, and to remember that the JOY of knowing God is your source of strength. With Him, we can face anything with a heart full of peace and JOY, no matter what’s happening on the outside.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the JOY that comes from knowing You. Help me to embrace Your peace and strength, especially in the busyness of this season. Let Your JOY fill me, no matter what challenges I face, so that I can reflect Your love to others. ~ Amen.