Nehemiah 8:9-12

Nehemiah 8:9-12
English Standard Version (ESV) 

  When we stop and look back at how God wants us to live, and then we compare that with how we are actually living, there is often cause for weeping.  God calls us to live in community, selflessly serving one another and showing unconditional love to all, including our enemies.  Our focus should be on God's Kingdom, rather than our own wants and desires.
  I know my own life is far from this reality, and so there is cause for weeping.  But Nehemiah and Ezra remind the people that they need not grieve--there is cause for celebration, for God is merciful and kind, inviting us into a life of repentance that leads to new life.  God is generous and wants us to turn back to him, and so while there is an appropriate time to mourn, there is also time to feast and celebrate the goodness and mercy of God.  May the joy and peace of God animate us to live with gratitude in our hearts and to share the mercy of God with others.  There will be time for mourning--let us remember to celebrate how wondrous our God is!