joy – Be Still…

Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 – Great Advice!

Read Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

Other than the reference to everything being “meaningless,” Solomon’s advice here has a lot of merit. God does give us lives to enjoy. Whether we are young, old, or somewhere in between, we should be focusing on positive things, looking for the good in all situations.

I love the apostle Paul’s counsel in Philippians 4:8 which reads: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” While Solomon is talking about rejoicing in each day, it’s so much easier to do that when we approach each day with a positive attitude.

Lamentation 5:1-22 – Don’t Forget Us, Lord!

Read Lamentations 5:1-22

Our final lament appears to be from the viewpoint of the people who were not taken. Those left behind watched as their beloved city changed before their eyes. Living in that crumbled reality, they mourned the loss of a happy, content life.

Gone were the parties and fancy clothes. Now the people faced violence and famine with their enemies in power. God had allowed all of this to happen. The people felt forgotten, finally realizing that they were paying the penalty for sin, their own and their ancestors.

Nehemiah 12:27-43 – Joy of Jerusalem

Read Nehemiah 12:27-43

Who doesn’t like a good party? The opening scenes to this reading are filled with the anticipation of what is to come. The day has arrived when the completed wall will be recognized and celebrated. When parties have a purpose, they are even more enjoyable. When that purpose is to celebrate God’s faithfulness and love, imagine the great expectation!

The celebration appears to circle the city wall with songs of thanksgiving being sung and instruments being played. That sounds a lot like worship to me. How fitting the people would use the worship element to further honor God in this moment. What God had done among them already, and promised to do forever, was so generous. If only they could stay true to God alone. People continue to struggle with keeping God first in their lives today.

Nehemiah 8:13-18 – Festival of Shelters

Read Nehemiah 8:13-18

I appreciate when I can learn more about Jewish traditions and what the Law of Moses instructed the Jewish people to do. After all, these are the traditions that Jesus would have known and participated in. This feast or festival is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles and is still celebrated today for nine days sometime during the months of September or October. It is associated with the gratitude for the bounty and provisions of God.

Because the returnees were trying to do things “by the book,” literally, reviving this festival was one of those activities being renewed. Rather than “guess” at what God wanted, the leaders met to learn more by reading the law together. When we want to know how to act in a certain situation, our “go-to” should always be, “what does the Bible say,” or “what would Jesus do?”

1 Peter 4:12-19 – Doom and Bloom

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19

I assume Peter is talking about Jesus’ glorious return and our everlasting life with him when he describes, “seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” But I got a little glimpse of that “glory” this week. Anytime we see God move in our midst or help us in our struggles, we get a peek into the glory of God.

We know the joy that bubbles up inside us when we see God’s hand at work in our lives or community. Peter encourages us to persevere despite the unpleasant situations we face in life. It really resonated with me in a fresh way when I read Peter’s words, “for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering.” Take a moment to let that truth sink in. Partners with Christ. Partners.