Good morning!

The fast-approaching end-of-year holidays are soon to be on the horizon. For some, holidays only stir up bright glowing memories. For others, the holiday season only contains memories of wrecked relationships, missing or departed loved ones, tragedies, worsening health issues, etc.

Nehemiah is speaking to the repentant Israelites who had been ravaged by war and many other calamities. He tells them that despite all the difficulties they have faced, the joy of the Lord would be their strength. Reminding them that God was their direct source for everything.

The word of God is as faithful now as it was then. Like the Israelites, if we maintain a repentant heart, our faith, perseverance, and dedication to learning and applying His promises can help us deal with (seasonal) spiritual bleakness.

If we learn to walk and rely on God’s joy, we can push through rough times despite whatever life events or seasons our bad memories may be tied to.

Let us strive to learn to keep the joy of the Lord as our strength. Knowing that regardless of whether things are going well or horribly bad. Realizing that over the seasons of our lives, many things will change for better or worse, but having and trusting God as our Provider will allow us to successfully battle our way through the upcoming holiday season and life in general.

Psalm 28:7 – The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to him.