Joy

In the book of Nehemiah, we read those who returned from captivity wept while the Levites read the book of the law.

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. (Nehemiah 8:8 NIV).

As the word of the God was read, there was a deeper understanding that their present condition was a result of their nation's disobedience and unfaithfulness.

But they sadly missed the point.

God promised that after 70 years in Babylonian captivity they would return home. This was an occasion to rejoice, to be glad despite the challenges to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, most importantly, a righteous nation. The reading of the word of God was to instruct them from returning to a state of unfaithfulness and disobedience by reminding and forewarning them.

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."(Nehemiah 8:9-10).

Listen my beloved, God will lead us out of our captivity to what seems to be a hard and difficult place. You may be in a broken relationship, a dead-end job or suffering from choices you now regret but God wants you to rejoice. Why? Because He wants you to see something wonderful and new. The chapter of captivity was over. Now, a new chapter is being written and a bright future was ahead.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19 NIV).

Joy gives us strength to believe and perceive what the natural eyes can not see.