resilience | lent devotions

“Go, eat rich food, drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who can’t provide for themselves; for today is consecrated to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of Adonai is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10, CJB

In the extraordinary story of the rebuilding of Jerusalem the word of God acted as a sword. It cut through the people’s thinking and their focus on their circumstances. It cut through their hearts and, although initially it brought tears, it led to joy.

It is the through the living and enduring word of God that we experience the most joyous event of our lives – being born again. It is the word that makes known to us the path of life and pulls us in to the presence of God where we experience fulness of joy. It is the word that becomes joy within us: Jeremiah. 15:16 says: "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts."

Want more strength? Want to be pulled into the presence of God? Want to increase your resilience? Want to experience more joy?  Devour the word of God.

Let’s pray
I pray that your complete joy may be in me today, Jesus. I will fill myself with your word so I am strengthened with all power, according to your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Want more? Order my new book Developing Kingdom Resilience here!