The people of Israel returned from exile to rebuild their ruined temple and made a start on the foundation when Ezra was asked to read to them the Old Testament laws given originally to Moses to give to the whole people of God. (Nehemiah 8:1-9) the words of the law were new to many in the crowd, since they had lived far from the holy land. The contrast between their lifestyles and the picture of life in the laws of God was startling and caused the crowd to feel a disconnect from their God. There was weeping and moaning and distress among the crowd. Then Nehemiah said, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

When I first read this I was surprised . I had always thought of “joy” as a byproduct of happy times, or the love of someone we love, but not a source or a manifestation of strength. What could possibly be “strong” about “joy”?

On Ash Wednesday we place literal ashes on our foreheads as a reminder of our own mortality. Like those early Hebrews, we may remember gaps in our relationship with God. We may experience grief for the missed or ignored opportunities to do His will, or ways in which we failed to respond to Him. The powerful message of Nehemiah is simply that having our minds on Him and seeking His will and ways is a strong connecting bond to Him, and a source of joy itself. That joy brings us the strength to draw even nearer to our God. On Ash Wednesday we remember the power and strength of the resurrection of Jesus, a strength that extends to us as well: I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”(Philippians 4:13) The strength of God is seen In Christ’s resurrection , and even hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, Nehemiah knew the strength that is in the presence of God in His people. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” The Psalmist wrote, “Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob!” (Psalm 81:1-2)

Ash Wednesday speaks directly to our spirits. At the Last Supper Jesus spoke about his joy and ours: As the Father has loved me , so have I loved you. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ( John 15:9-11) The ashes we wear on Ash Wednesday are ashes of connection to our God. They are ashes of joy.

Love in Him,

Prue