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- Oct 26, 2007
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Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 ESV
The people mourned when they heard the Law. They realized how far they had strayed from the Lord. They were rebuilding the ruins of Jerusalem after a previous generation’s unfaithfulness, and it’s likely that the consequences of disobedience had finally sunk in for them. Yet as they repented and mourned, Nehemiah urged them to celebrate their recommitment and to let the joy of God be their strength.
When you’re starting over after a time of struggle and unfaithfulness, you may find that joy is a challenge. Guilt and shame can be paralyzing and discouraging. How can you recover and start over again? The answer is to repent and then rejoice. Guilt and shame won’t help you move forward. Yet rejoicing in God’s love and mercy will draw you to obedience and renewal. As you offer yourself to the Lord and live in reliance on His joy in your life, you’ll find that obedience will be far easier than the heavy weight of guilt and shame that can give way to defeatism. In the Lord’s joy, there is hope for tomorrow.
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember Your love and mercy that bring joy.
The people mourned when they heard the Law. They realized how far they had strayed from the Lord. They were rebuilding the ruins of Jerusalem after a previous generation’s unfaithfulness, and it’s likely that the consequences of disobedience had finally sunk in for them. Yet as they repented and mourned, Nehemiah urged them to celebrate their recommitment and to let the joy of God be their strength.
When you’re starting over after a time of struggle and unfaithfulness, you may find that joy is a challenge. Guilt and shame can be paralyzing and discouraging. How can you recover and start over again? The answer is to repent and then rejoice. Guilt and shame won’t help you move forward. Yet rejoicing in God’s love and mercy will draw you to obedience and renewal. As you offer yourself to the Lord and live in reliance on His joy in your life, you’ll find that obedience will be far easier than the heavy weight of guilt and shame that can give way to defeatism. In the Lord’s joy, there is hope for tomorrow.
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember Your love and mercy that bring joy.
