Then he said to them, “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.” – Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. – Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
The third week of Advent causes us to pause and rejoice – not because everything is perfect, but because the Lord is close to us. Biblical joy isn’t dependent on circumstances; it’s anchored in God’s faithful presence. When Nehemiah encouraged the people saying, “the joy of the Lord is your strength”, he spoke to a community rebuilding after loss and hardship. Their strength didn’t come from ease, but from knowing God was with them.
Have you been through a season of exhaustion or rebuilding after a difficult time? Maybe you cared for an ill family member, recovered after a job loss, or had to adjust after a major life change. During those times in life, joy can feel distant. Yet through a simple spiritual practice – like sitting quietly in prayer each morning, reading a Psalm, or attending worship (even when it’s hard) – we slowly begin to realize God’s presence never leaves us. Even if circumstances don’t improve immediately, we can experience renewed inner strength and peace because joy is not about escaping hardships, but about remembering God is near us in those difficult times and “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”
Psalm 16:11 reminds us that true joy flows from communion with God: “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” As we journey through Advent, we’re invited to draw near to God – through prayer, worship, and trust – discovering again that lasting joy is found in whom we belong to, not in what we possess.