The joy of the Lord is our strength, conclusion

One last thing from our focus verses in the eighth chapter of Nehemiah . . . they are both words of encouragement to the people (and to us) and also words of command:

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

In business and self-help culture today, and even in diet regimes, we hear of "do this, don't do that." Or "eat this, not that."
Nehemiah is saying that. "Enjoy and rejoice. Don't grieve."
God wants His people to experience His joy. He wants this to happen. Remember, He is not a grumpy guy that wants us to be miserable. He wants all of us to rejoice in Him personally, so that when we come together, whether in a small group or a large congregation, it overflows to those who are near us. Now please don't get me wrong. I'm not saying we should avoid expressing grief when we are mourning or going through difficult trials. It's not any more spiritual or righteous to put on a happy mask and pretend that we are not hurting, than it is to share our feelings so that others can help us. But underneath that grief is God's abiding joy; underneath that sorrow is a confident trust in our Father.
The Bible offers us hope too, in that we can control our thoughts. We are created in the image of God and we are able to make choices. We can choose to stand in the shadows or in the light. We can focus on the things of earth, or on the things "above."  We can dwell on the things that cause us uneasiness and anxiety, or we can dwell on other things:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

In other words, as children of the King we have the choice to rejoice!
When we began this study, we said some things about the lovely characters of the Thousand Acre Wood. We noted that Eeyore was sad and mopey - nothing much could make him change his outlook. We also saw that Pooh was upbeat but kinda clueless. (Grin)
We said that Piglet was small, but full of potential. As are we.
Piglet never lets his fear stop him from doing what he wants to do. He tries incredibly hard to be brave . . . We can too - but not in our own strength:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Piglet will face danger and only bail when someone "larger" comes to help. Good instructions for us, too:

and call on me in the day of trouble;    I will deliver you, and you will honor me. (Psalm 50:15)

He admits his faults and overlooks those of his friends. Piglet is happy. We should be, too:

Trust in the Lord and do good;    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord,    and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord;    trust in him and he will do this: (Psalm 37:3-5)

There is joy and strength in God Himself, and also in His Word, in His promises to each of us as believers.
Rejoice!