The people of Israel and Judah had done wrong. God warned them time and again through the prophets. They disregarded the instruction of the prophets and found their civilization demolished while they were deported to a foreign country. The Bible tells the truth about people, including the biblical characters. Seventy years later, Ezra is leading the people of God in worship. The festivals and celebrations of Leviticus 23 were being reinstituted. Reflecting on this new day, the people of God began to weep concerning the sin that brought them sorrow. It didn't stop there. The worship leader began to encourage the repentant. Do not be grieved!
How often we find ourselves mourning over the past. The people of God on the other hand, are not limited by their past. In his encouragement to these worshippers, Ezra declared a truth that is magnificent in its scope and encouraging in its declaration:
The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength! Hallelujah! Nehemiah 8:10 declares it so. Thousands of years into their future, the people of God in the 21st century need to hold on to the truth of Scripture. Do NOT be grieved. Don't let circumstances, trouble, or heartache keep you down. The joy of the Lord is your strength! As the Psalmist so skillfully wrote:
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
Do not be grieved, the Joy of the Lord is YOUR strength
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