June 26
"...Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" - Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT)
June is a month that can bring great joy. Sunshine fills the sky, children play under blue skies, the fruit trees bloom, ice cream stands are open, picnic opportunities abound, fishing beckons, and back yard cookouts with neighbors and friends offer opportunities for celebrations on these beautiful days. Sometimes however, when we are sad or grieving, we can miss opportunities to celebrate and enjoy this beautiful season.
It was no different in Nehemiah's day. In the midst of a national celebration in a beautiful time of year, the people wept openly because of their sadness. When they heard God's laws read publicly at their religious holiday for the first time in many years, they realized how far they were from obeying them. Because their Bible had fallen out of use and even been lost in most places, they no longer even knew what it said. Yet after God's laws were read aloud to the people Ezra, their leader, told them they should not be dejected and sad but be filled with a joy only the Lord can give because it would bring them strength. Ezra also said that since God had restored their Bible to them, the day was special and sacred. It was time to celebrate, experience joy, and share gifts of food with others.
This text tells us true celebration is not isolated or self-centered. Ezra connected celebration with giving. Often when we celebrate and give to others even when we don't feel like it, we are strengthened spiritually. We can then be filled with joy even in times of sadness. Happiness is dependent on our circumstances, while the gift of true Joy is dependent on God alone. Real joy is independent of circumstances, failures, and sadness. Enter into opportunities to honor God this June and allow our Lord to fill you with his joy. It is your strength in all seasons. Remember your blessings today. In order to appreciate where you are now, think back on your life to see where God has led you from. We are all works in progress. Then thank God for giving you the gift of Joy. Finally, rejoice that God will continue to provide for you in all circumstances!
Prayer: Lord, Please grant me the gift of Divine Joy today! Amen
Meditation For The Day: God's Joy always gives strength.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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