Joy as strength

Read

⁸ So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. ⁹ And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. ¹⁰ Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Reflect

When the people hear the law read and explained, they weep. Nehemiah and Ezra tell them not to mourn but to feast, send portions to those with nothing prepared, and remember that 'the joy of the Lord is your strength.'

Pray

Lord, let your word bring me to honesty and then to joy. Make me generous to anyone with nothing prepared. Amen.