“Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10)
Nehemiah reminded the people that although the word of God had convicted them of their sins – that they had failed to love God wholeheartedly and obey Him – they were to go and rejoice !
Instead of having a ” pity” party, they were to go and have a “holy” party – for God had touched their lives and brought them into His Holiness……..to go and have a “feast” with the joy of celebrating “Him” !
“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. (Neh. 8:9)
Wow – can you imagine? Go and have a feast? What does this response from God tell us about His love for us? And the joy we can experience in His presence?
“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……….do not be grieved………and all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them. (Neh. 8:10-12)
Have a “feast” – party on – with God !
