With the wall completed and the people gathered in worship, Nehemiah and Ezra remind the community that their strength is not only in perseverance, but in joy—the deep joy that flows from knowing God’s presence and faithfulness. Today we rejoice in what God is building among us, not only in visible results, but in the spirit of unity, hope, and commitment we share. Just as Nehemiah’s people dedicated their work to God with celebration, we dedicate our gifts and lives to God’s purposes in this new year. Our strength for the journey ahead will be rooted not in striving alone, but in the joy of walking together in God’s grace.
