God Wants Me to Be Joyful
Rejoicing in His Deliverance
Nehemiah 8:11-17
Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 16-17 : PM - John 6:41-71
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." (Neh. 8:17).
The feast of tabernacles commemorated God’s careful guidance of the Israelites during their journey through the desert (Lev. 23:33-34) following their captivity in Egypt. The Lord had stipulated that as part of the festivities, families would house themselves in booths made of branches (Lev. 23:43).
Nehemiah’s account of the festival suggests part of his people’s revived commitment to the Lord involved recalling the blessings of their spiritual heritage. As we read of Israel’s deliverance, we can add our own list of God’s kindnesses to the account. The result will be a renewed sense of gratitude for God’s redemption in the past and joyful anticipation of what He has in store for the future.
Thank You, Father, for Your timeless care and guidance.
