Be joyful

Nehemiah 8:10-12

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.” The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.” Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

Few key take-aways from this passage: people gathered to listen to the word of God, where the law of Moses was read out to them. The name of the Lord was greatly praised and people responded by surrendering to God, lifting their hands up, worshiping. After this, the people were touched by the word and started crying. That's when Nehemiah gave an instruction for the people not to mourn, but for the people to be joyous, eat food and have a drink. To further share with those that are in need. They were reminded of the holy day, thus not to grieve but to be strengthened by the joy of the Lord. And the people obeyed.

May this be a reminder that the Lord wants us to be joyful, not to be worried or grieving; but to find strength in Him. Also to remember those who are less fortunate and share with them.

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