At 6:30 a.m., my hour-long journey begins, leading me to the northern part of the country, where trees are scarce and the horizon is painted with desert sands. This is a ride that I love to fill with music, sermons or conversations with God to thank Him for the day at hand and ask for His wisdom. 

At 7:30 a.m., as I step into my classroom, I take a moment to disinfect the tables, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for my students and I set their breakfast and drinks on the table. 

At 8:00 a.m., my students sit expectantly, ready for me to speak. As I open my mouth to speak, rather than feeling exhausted from my 4:30 a.m. early rise or from my hour-long ride, I feel a wave of joy wash over me. I am excited and filled with joy that in the next four hours I will impart knowledge that will shape their minds and lives, and have the potential to influence future generations. 

What brings you joy? Do you serve your spouse, your children, your family, your colleagues, and/or your community with joy?  

In Luke 10:38-42, we meet Martha, a woman who receives Jesus in her home. She is hospitable, but she feels overwhelmed and frustrated. Instead of serving joyfully, she feels burdened by her responsibility and even vents to Jesus her irritation toward her sister Mary for not helping her. This indicates that she not only feels unrecognized in her efforts, but she is struggling to find fulfillment in her service. 

In Nehemiah 1-12, on the other hand, we encounter Nehemiah, a man who joyfully and purposefully serves and encourages his community. Initially, he humbly prays and fasts to seek God’s will and direction and then he rallies the community to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem despite facing opposition. Chapter after chapter, we discover a relentless Nehemiah who sees his challenge as a divine task, not a burdening chore. Later, in Nehemiah 8:10, when their rebuilding project is completed and they are gathered to read the Word of God, he reassures the people who are grieved and convicted by their past disobedience, by stating: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  

Both Martha and Nehemiah served, but there is a stark difference between the two. Martha’s experience highlights challenges that can arise when one has a complaining spirit, is distracted, or losing sight of what they are called to do. Nehemiah’s experience, however, highlights how one can find joy and be fulfilled in serving when humbly approaching God in prayer and fasting, and engaging your community without expecting anything in return—working wholeheartedly, as unto the Lord and not unto men.  

While you serve the Lord, keep in mind the importance of serving with joy. Without joy, service can feel like a chore and lead to discontentment.