The celebration in today's reading gets my attention. Who doesn't love a reason to celebrate? Nehemiah says...
They offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.
These people are happy the newly built wall is done in Jerusalem. But, it's so much more than that too. This isn't just about Nehemiah knowing how to throw a good party.
God's people are willing and able to see the wall as evidence of how God has worked through them. Even in their celebrating, God's Spirit is filling them, "making" them rejoice. God is the life of the party. He's the source of their celebration!
I don't know about you, but I want all my celebrations to be purposeful and joyful like that. That doesn't come from talented party planning. It comes from surrendering to God's Spirit that is able to rebuild all that is broken. Celebrations like that come from making God the invite at the top our our guest list so He can open our hearts to His powerful and transforming love.
A prayer for today-
Dear God,
Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that is at work in me and in those around me.
Life can be so hard, so overwhelming, so busy, so unexpected, so exhausting, so distracting, and so scary. And yet, I know Your plan for me is always perfect. I know Your joy, Lord, is my strength. Transform my heart to be thankful in all circumstances instead of wasting time on my fears and frustrations.
Fill me with Your joy and make me rejoice. Help me let go and celebrate life with You.
Fill ____________ with your joy also, Lord. Rebuild and transform his/her/their lives with Your grace.
In the name of Jesus I pray,
Amen
*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project. Click here to read more.
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