Nehemiah said, “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

Today you are invited to consider how God gives the gift of joy, even in the midst of grief. For those who have experienced this, praise God that you know this is so, and share this good news with someone else today. For those for whom this seems to be an impossible contradiction, bring your sadness to God today and ask Him to give you His joy. It does not make sense; it may not seem possible; but the joy of the Lord is a seed which will grow and bloom and bear fruit if you will open your heart and your hands to receive it, even in the midst of your sadness.

May God bless you with His joy today, for it is your strength.