Nehemiah 8:10
The scripture for today is Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
In Nehemiah, chapter 8, the people were gathered together on the first day of the seventh month to celebrate the Feast of Trumpets. Ezra, the priest, brought out the Book of the Law and read it to the assembly. Upon hearing the reading and explaining of the Law of God, the people's hearts were grieved. Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Nehemiah 8:9 Then follows our text for today. "Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
When the Word of God, which is pure and holy, is revealed to impure hearts, sorrow, and mourning is a natural response. But God did not send His Word to produce in us a downcast spirit. He sent His Word to liberate us from the captivity of sin. Time and again He brings us back to His Word to show us His character, reminding us that He is what we are to be like. We can only be like Him in character when He is in charge of our lives.
His admonition to the people was for them to stop looking at themselves and their circumstances and to look to the LORD. Instead of sorrow and mourning, embrace what God has done and is doing in you. God's intent is not for us to be downcast and sorrowful. He offers us His joy. It is the most unmistakable sign of the presence of God. And to those who fully embrace Him, love, liberty, and joy will be their experience. They will be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." Ephesians 6:10
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim