Do Not Mourn or Weep
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Nehemiah 8:8-10, 12 NIV
They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred 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 sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
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.
I was struck by the fact the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. I wonder why they were weeping. I think it could have been that upon hearing the word (the ancient scripture) they realized their sinfulness and unworthiness. That is a devastating realization at first, isn’t it? Every so often I have a renewed sense of my utter unworthiness before God. Usually it comes out of nowhere – just hits me smack between the eyes.
That is a very humbling and awe-filled experience too. Upon realizing how far I am from the perfection of Christ, I recommit to live a better life. Without fail, though, I fall back into whatever behavior or mindset I have vowed to change. It’s an endless cycle and an on-going struggle. Just because we are “saved” doesn’t mean we don’t have any more work to do on ourselves. That salvation is a moment of realization and a new beginning, not an ending and a cause for smug self-satisfaction.
Nehemiah is reassuring us that we should enjoy life, and celebrate our LORD who loves us in spite of our shortcoming and failings. Rejoice in the Lord and live out our calling as His children. Give to the poor, share with your neighbors and be strong through times of trouble. God is with us. He will be our strength. He loves us and forgives us. Do not mourn. Rejoice. God is with us.
Interesting that this scripture, which arrived via email several days ago was waiting for me this morning. . . Yesterday I commented that I was back on track. I have been tired and got run down as I worked my way into a new routine. Then I got very sick. Throughout my recovery time I spent a great deal of time in prayer, asking God for discernment and direction. Nehemiah’s message to the people is very similar the message I received through prayer. Do not mourn. I am with you. I will be your strength.
It is not until we yield our strength, our hearts and our lives to God that we begin truly living in the fullness of His plan for us. Every time we “take it back” from Him we delay or deter or defer that plan. The good news is, He waits for us. That is truly cause for rejoicing!
My prayer today is that you rejoice in the truth that God is with us. And that you offer up whatever in your life is keeping you from fulfilling His plan for you.
Mary
