A Time To Celebrate

Scripture:

9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” All the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the law. 10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” 11 And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, “Hush! Don’t weep! For this is a sacred day.” 12 So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them. (Nehemiah 8:9-12 NLT)

At times when we finally realize the way that things should be because we hear the Word of God, we can easily be sad and have the “if only” and “what if” attitude. Here, when the people heard the words of God, they were sad. The leaders told them not to weep and mourn, but to go and eat and drink and celebrate because they had heard the Words of God, and even understood them. God’s words to us are powerful, and sometimes we really are sad that we did not understand them more, and sooner. But when we do hear and understand, we should do them and celebrate the fact that God has helped us to understand.

God, I thank You for Your words; both the Bible and the personal words of prophecy that You have given Jim and me. I love You, Father. AMEN

I will not be sad, but put my hope in God again and again. You, my God, daily pour out Your unfailing love upon me. Thank You. Psalm 42

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