PAINFUL REALITIES

I Was Just Thinking About –

Many appreciate the uplifting expressions found in the Holy Scriptures. Nehemiah 8:9-11 is one of those special reminders. The people have been without the Scriptures (The Law) for a long time. This is a special moment when the people, along with their children, have assembled and stood for an extended period to hear the words of the Lord (The Law) to them. The text records:

“And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of them: This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them: Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. So the Levites quieted all the people, saying: Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."

The absence of the Word of God in their lives and midst for an extended time; their personal ignoring of it; the reality of their obligations before a Holy God all converged when they heard God’s Law. Were they convicted? Yes! Were they filled with regret for the years they had not heard and heeded The Law? Yes!

Painful Realities occur in human life such as physical needs; deaths; separations; dysfunction. It is at such times when there should be a refocus on the reality of a God Who is just and righteous; a God Who loves and cares. As that occurs, another reality becomes activated. When God has first place in individual lives, regardless of the circumstances or experiences, Nehemiah 8:10 is an absolute: “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The words of an old hymn are also purposeful and meaningful - -

When sorrows like sea billows roll,

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say:

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Prayerfully – Consider these things with me!