Melt my 💕 Daily Dose - Nehemiah 8:10 - God doesn’t just rebuild walls., He restores hearts...

Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT): And Nehemiah continued, 'Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!'

📍The Book of Nehemiah is about the restoration of Jerusalem, after the Jewish exile in Babylon. It’s a historical and spiritual narrative that tells how God used Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king, to rebuild the city and renew the people's faith.  Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that even in times of weakness, regret, or rebuilding, God’s joy is our strength.

It encourages us not to stay stuck in sorrow, but to find hope, peace, and renewed energy in the joy that comes from knowing you are loved, forgiven, and not alone.

👉Behind the Verse: Broken City, broken People

The people returned to Jerusalem after decades in exile at Babylon. The city had been destroyed, walls torn, and the temple in complete ruins. It was a wiped out city with people who were spiritually and emotionally shattered and defeated. A lot of rebuilding needed to be done, physically, emotionally & spiritually. Nehemiah, was a Jewish cupbearer serving the Persian king at the time.  He heard about the news of a shattered Jeruselem and was deeply saddened, so he sought the face of the Lord by fasting and praying so his boss, the king, would give him permission to return to Jeruselem and help rebuild (Nehemiah 2).

His prayers were answered and Nehemiah received permission to return and lead in rebuilding Jerusalem. He led in starting with rebuilding the walls around the city, as it protected them from there enemies.  Against all odds and in the face of ridicule, threats, and opposition, by the grace of God they were able to complete the wall in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15). Groundbreaking! A testimony to what God's guidance, leadership, unity, obedience, and perseverance, can result to.

👉NEXT MISSION? Spritual Renewal

Nehemiah now turned his attention to something even more important; ensuring the people rebuild their relationship with God. In Nehemiah 8, all the people gathered as Ezra the priest reads the Book of the Law of Moses (1st 5 books of the Bible). Many were hearing God’s word for the first time in their lives as generations were lost in exile. As they listened, the weight of truth sank in.  They realized how far they’ve strayed from the word of God. Their response?  Weeping, deep sorrow, guilt, conviction. It completely depleted them.  They became hopless. Can God ever forgive us, would he give us another chance?  Is this the end due to disobedience?

As they expected the worse from Nehemiah his response to their grief shocked them; today's verse - Nehemiah 8:10 ‘Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!’ ( NLT).

Wait, what? Come again?  They were weeping in repentance, and Nehemiah tells them to rejoice?  Totally understand their shock because the books of the law of Moses are pretty seious. Very serious and actually very strict!  I always joke that the 1st testament scares me😇.

👉Here’s why this matters

Nehemiah wasn't downplaying their sin. It was also the ‘Feast of Trumpets,’ a day that was a holy celebration of God’s faithfulness. He wanted them to learn that repentance is part of revival, and so is joy.  ‘The joy of the Lord is your strength’ isn’t about ignoring brokenness.  It’s about remembering that God's grace, presence, and promises are what empowers us to move forward.

💡Soul Whisper: Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that:

• True revival includes both repentance and rejoicing.
• God invites us not just to mourn our sin, but to celebrate His mercy.
• Our strength in tough times comes from His joy, rooted in who He is and what He has done.
• Don't just enjoy blessings by yourself, be generous & share with others. Include others in your joy, especially those in need. 

💨So when you’re weary, overwhelmed, or freshly aware of your imperfections, remember; God’s joy over you is still your strength. May God Bless you and have a wonderful day💖.

Lets Pray: Dear God, Thanks that Your joy is my strength. Even when I feel weak, tired, or unworthy, remind me that I can find hope in You.  Help me to celebrate Your goodness and rest in Your grace today.  Let Your joy lift me and carry me through whatever comes.  In Jesus name, Amen🙏.

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