The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength – Pastor Kwame, Campus Minister

As we prepare to step into a new school year here at Killian Hill Christian School, I want to begin by anchoring us in something we need daily:  joy.

Some of you may already be aware of this year’s theme — but if not, here it is: Be Joyful.

This theme is grounded in the truth of Nehemiah 8:10:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

It’s easy to begin a new year feeling the weight of pressure — pressure to perform, to succeed, to do everything perfectly. But God’s Word reminds us that the strength we truly need doesn’t come from ourselves. It comes from the joy of the Lord.

Nehemiah 8
In Nehemiah 8, the people of Israel had just completed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Then Ezra stood before them and read God’s Word aloud — and as the people listened, they were deeply convicted. They wept over their sin. But Nehemiah interrupted their sorrow with this encouraging reminder:
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

He was calling them to something greater than guilt — he was calling them to the joy that comes from knowing they belonged to a merciful and faithful God. That same joy is available to us today.

True joy flows from knowing Jesus, trusting His Word, and resting in His grace — especially in difficult seasons. And here’s the best part: we don’t have to earn this joy. It is a gift, freely given to all who belong to Christ.

You might be wondering: How is this helpful in relation to the new school year? It’s a reminder for us to start with joy, continue with joy, and to rely on the joy of the Lord as our strength every single day — even in the tough times. Together, and with God’s help, let’s prepare for a school year filled with joy. Not because of what we do in our own strength, but because the joy of the Lord is our strength.

He is for us. He is with us.

See you soon!
Pastor Kwame