Nehemiah 8:10 English Standard Version (ESV) 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.”

This is the first time that my search engine uses the actual phrase “the joy of the Lord”. It is not until now that we find the joy of the Lord specifically. Until now our search has all been about our emotional responses alone or separated from the Lord. Now we find His Joy providing strength.

We know from our readings that Nehemiah has been given permission to return to Jerusalem and his first task was to rebuild the wall. This is where dedicated men were stood in the gaps in the wall to protect them from those who opposed them in their calling.

I recall attending the D.C. even “Standing in the Gap”. If ever any man should feel strengthened it is when a million men answered the call and with one mind and purpose prayed for our nation. We did not call for a fast yet God put it on the hearts of all of us to fast. When food was catered in, we told them to give it to the needy and the homeless in D.C., in unity of mind and purpose.

What a joy it was for all of us to feel sustained during the event. The wind encircled us and we were refreshed. God in our midst was all we needed as strangers took each other aside and began to pray without ceasing.

We could see that it pleased the Lord that so many men and boys answered the call.

Everyone in the area of Jerusalem got to see the restoration of the city.

We who attended “Standing in the Gap” saw it for a day.

To be frankly honest with you. We could use a day like that day every day.

While Joy in Sustenance is wonderful, I believe the Joy of the Lord is more.