Scripture:

Nehemiah 12:43

43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off.

Psalm 126:5

Those who sow in tears 

Shall reap in joy.

"Lasting Joy"

Today, as we read this portion, we must remember the condition of Israel when Nehemiah came to rebuild the wall; the city and the walls, the gates and the temple were in bad shape. In fact, it was said, "the strength of the laborers is failing, too much rubble" (Neh 4:10).   This reminds us that the work of the Lord is serious; it takes effort and strength. Serving the Lord with all that you have requires commitment; it does not exclude us from difficulties, and we see that in the rebuilding of the wall.  Notice the Psalmist's words: "Those who sow in tears."  He uses this language because planting seeds takes effort and pain, just like working through hard times, but notice the result of this is "reaping JOY."   

I believe this story is prophetic, that today God is telling you that the hard work that you have done, the labor, the difficulties you have faced, the "Great Work" that you have stood on for Him, you will "REAP", get this "LASTING JOY."  

Today our God-Shot is to not give up, the good work that God begin in us, purposed for us, we should not let the difficulties of today or even tomorrow shake us from the good plan, because JOY is coming, and it will be LASTING.   You and I will have to SOW, do the work, dig the soil, displace the rocks, DO the WORK, but the RESULTS will bring and LASTING JOY.   Your day is coming, they will HEAR YOUR JOY from a FAR OFF (vv. 43).

Father today I believe this will hit different for those who read it, I pray for those who have been in the struggle, who have been doing the work laboring for you, seeking after you, who have become tired in their journey, that you will strengthen them today, that you will cause them to shout for joy in the streets, that those near and far will hear their joy, you bring lasting  joy, we thank you Lord for your great work, your strength, your presence in our lives, in Jesus' name, Amen.