Nehemiah, in exile working as a servant to the King of Persia, felt strongly led to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall that had been demolished. The king allowed it and he returned, with a vision, and began to build a team to do the hard work. He faced opposition, persevered and rejoiced when the work was completed.
At the celebration, Ezra read the Book of the Law of Moses and the people began weeping as they listened - apparently grief-stricken at how they had failed God. All of a sudden, the goodness of God in providing this new wall was forgotten; they were thinking instead of their failures. Nehemiah had to remind them: "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength".
Do you let the regrets of your life steal your joy? There is a time for mourning and a time for rejoicing. Spurgeon says: "The steps by which we ascend to the palace of delight are usually moist with tears." Let's let our tears lead us to discover and celebrate the goodness of God. I certainly don't want to miss "the joy of the Lord"! How about you?
For further study: Psalm 21:6, Psalm 43:4, Psalm 51:12, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Jeremiah 31:13, Habakkuk 3:18, 2 Corinthians 7:10
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
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