Strength In Joy

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 8:10-12

Reflection: Some years ago I bumped into a Christian who was serious and sober about everything. In fact, they were so sober, that it seemed to me that they felt there was no room in life for playing games and having fun. Christianity, from their perspective, was to be a life of suffering for the sake of the gospel. This serious nature of the Christian life was to be lived out by taking every moment seriously and never wasting any time doing something that brought you joy...or fun...in any way. Now, there is a place for this kind of thinking. It is true that the Christian life is serious business. It is true that we must be willing to suffer for the cause of the gospel. However, it is also true that there is a legitimate place for joyful celebration in the Christian life. Nehemiah seemed to understand this truth in his own day and time. The people all gathered together after a season of hard work and great trial. They listened to the reading of God's word and actually understood what it meant. However, they also felt convicted by what they heard and began to weep and mourn that they were not all that they should have been as people of God. Nehemiah, I'm sure, welcomed this recognition. He will build off this reality to reform the people. However, on this day there was to be no sorrow, no weeping and no mourning. On this day, they were to eat choice food, enjoy quality drink, and fully celebrate. The reason for this was that "the joy of the Lord" was their strength. Strength comes from joy, not sorrow. So, as you enter the world this day, look for reasons to joyfully celebrate what God has done. Be eager to joyfully celebrate God's goodness and grace. Remember that there is a time to be serious and suffering as a believer. However, there is also a time for joyful celebration. Welcome both of these things in your life.