Rejoice Because You Understand

There’s nothing like that aha moment, when you finally get it.

I’ve been following along with an online Bible study on the book of Nehemiah. It’s one of those kind of obscure Old Testament books that doesn’t get a lot of press. It only has thirteen chapters and there are some parts where the seemingly endless list of  names will bog you down, but there are some really awesome nuggets of wisdom too.

In chapter eight, the Levites are reading from the Book of the Law of God and are explaining its meaning to the people of Israel and helping them to understand. The people finally get it and in doing so, they are devastated by their disobedience. They are openly weeping.

Nehemiah stops them in their tracks. He tells them that they aren’t to mourn or weep because today is a sacred day. They have heard God’s words and understand them. He tells them to rejoice. “For the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

Let’s think about that for a moment. We have all had times when we haven’t walked closely with God like we should. We have all had those moments when we realize how wrong we have been. When we realize we have been wrong, God calls us to repent and come back to Him.

When we get back on the right course, we are called to rejoice because the joy of the Lord is our strength. We should rejoice when we understand, not mourn.

I was talking to a friend of mine recently who wanted to carry guilt around over the sins of her past. She was telling me what a “bad sinner” she had been. If I only knew the things she had done in college… I had to cut her off. I reminded her we were all sinners. There wasn’t some kind of contest for the worst ones. I assured her that hers were no worse than anyone else’s and that she was forgiven. Time to move on.

But here’s the deal, Satan doesn’t want us to move on. If he can’t get us to continue to live in a manner that opposes God, then he will attempt to steal our new-found freedom and joy that comes from knowing Christ. He will whisper in our ear that our sins are particularly bad and we aren’t really forgiven. He will plant thoughts that have us focusing on the past without Jesus instead of the future with him.

Guess what? He tries to tell that to everyone. You are not special to him, but you are special to God. You are unique and you are forgiven. Tell him to get behind you, just like Jesus did.

Then, focus on God. Focus on your new path with Jesus and rejoice, because you understand. Today is a sacred day. Enjoy it and pass it on.

What are your thoughts on rejoicing when you understand? I’d love to hear from you.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂