The joy of the Lord is your strength.

We see this phrase on cute trinkets, plaques, or Pinterest boards. But what does it mean? How can joy be our strength?

The phrase comes from the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. The Israelites had begun to return to Jerusalem after being in exile in Babylon for seventy years. On the first day of the seventh month, the entire Israelite community (men, women, and children old enough to understand) gathered together. The people asked the priest, Ezra, to read to them from the Book of the Law (Nehemiah 8:1-3). 

I imagine it had been many years since they had assembled to hear God’s word. As they listened, the people began to weep (Nehemiah 8:9). Although the Bible doesn’t specify the reason for the tears, we can speculate. 

As they heard the words of the Law, the Israelites would have realized how far they had fallen short of obeying it. Knowing their disobedience had led to their exile, they could have wept tears of regret.

The law, given by Moses, played a pivotal role in Jewish history and culture. The scriptures Ezra read would have reminded the Israelites of happier times. Their tears could have expressed their sadness over what they had lost. Although the Israelites had begun to return to Jerusalem, the transition had not been easy. And the rebuilt temple lacked the splendor of the one destroyed by the Babylonians during the exile. 

Seeing their tears, Nehemiah told the people, “‘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”’ (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV emphasis added).

Nehemiah declared the day as holy and told the people to rejoice and celebrate. After years of spiritual starvation, the people had turned their hearts back to God. As they did so, God kept His promise and joyfully welcomed them back as His chosen people (Jeremiah 32:36-41). This joy, springing from their reconciliation to God, promised to strengthen the Israelites as they continued to rebuild their lives in Jerusalem.

When Jesus faced the cross, He demonstrated how His joy became strength. 

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:4b NIV)

We all had a problem only Jesus could solve. Our sin created a barrier between us and God. Like the Israelites, we needed redemption (Romans 3:23-24). Jesus knew the cross would eventually lead us, and Him, to our forever home with God (John 14:2-3). Looking ahead to this joyful reunion gave Jesus the strength He needed to endure the cross and its shame. 

Before going to the cross, Jesus offered an intercessory prayer on behalf of Himself, His disciple, and all believers (John 17). In this prayer, He specifically asked that His disciples would, “‘…have the full measure of my joy within them”’ (John 17:13 NIV). 

Being reconciled to God doesn’t mean we will never face hard times in this fallen world (John 16:33). But Jesus knew our joy from being united with Him could carry us through any trial we face. As we look forward to our eternal home, we gain the ability to endure.

His joy infuses us with the strength we need.

Christmas reminds us of the joy we have because of Jesus and His love for us. But even in the midst of this season’s celebrations, we see evidence of the fallen world all around us. As I honor Christmas this year, I pray to remember the source of my strength will always be the joy of the Lord. Wherever your journey takes you this holiday season, I pray the same for you.