Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. (Psalm 119:1)

When we get beneath surface facts and start to traffic in the realm of in-depth truth, two things usually happen: we walk in greater obedience, and we discover genuine happiness. The leaders in Nehemiah’s day experienced both.

They found written in the Law how the LORD had commanded through Moses that the sons of Israel were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month. (Nehemiah 8:14 NASB)

God told them to go live in booths. Intelligent, grown men—all respected leaders—were to go out, fetch some branches and sticks, and make crude, temporary shelters for their families to live in. So out of obedience, they built and lived in those homemade shacks as God had required.

When God gives you insight (not just knowledge), you say, “Lord, take over. Nothing in my life is private and I’m not proud. Here are the keys.” Total, unreserved obedience comes as a result of gaining insight. And amazing though it may sound, those people were happier than they had ever been. “And there was great rejoicing,” wrote Nehemiah (8:17 NASB).

I can’t explain how it happens, but when you do what is right, regardless of your economic status, you’re happy. When you do what is wrong, you may make millions but you’re miserable. But how could a family live happily in a little shack? They were happy because they were obedient. Because the fathers in the home had gained insight as leaders, they had obeyed the Lord—completely. And God gave them contentment, which led to happiness.

Insightful leadership is attainable. Nehemiah had it. So did Ezra. But they had no “corner” on the virtue. No one does. It is available to all who are willing to pay the price. Insight not only gives you good perspective on the past and the ability to face the future with confidence and vision; it will also give you an honest appraisal of yourself, especially in the area of priorities.

Taken from Hand Me Another Brick by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2006 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com