Rejoicing

[9] And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. [10] Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. [11] So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. [12] And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. Nehemiah 8:9-12

It is mentioned again in this portion of scripture that Nehemiah is the Tirshatha, which means governor. He is with Ezra and the Levites who are teaching the people. The day is a holy day and they are encouraging the people to enjoy the day.

The people are told not to be grieved but rejoice in knowing “the joy of the LORD is your strength”. The people enjoyed this time of fellowship with food and drink because “they had understood the words that were declared unto them.”

When I read and mediate on the word of God, I am excited about all the good things it contains. Take a few minutes each day to read and meditate on God’s goodness. Let the joy of the LORD be your strength. Get strength from His precious word.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Have a blessed day,
Donna