“Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps.” – Nehemiah 12:27 (NKJV)
When God has brought you from a place of hard work to a place of achievement, what do you do? We see in Nehemiah Chapter 12, dedication and celebration of God’s faithfulness. The Levites were singing, clapping, and celebrating God’s goodness with joy. When you read the first few chapters in the book of Nehemiah you will realise that the Israelites were in trouble. The wall was broken down, the gates were burnt and their enemies had their way.
Jerusalem and the temple were not operating as it should but God brought them through that troubled time. Their prayers and hard work paid off. They wanted to now take time to thank God with gladness. Do you celebrate your achievements with an expression of joy? There are so many Christians who never appear to be joyful. Do you walk around looking all gloomy and depressing? Don’t be a droopy face, Christian. Yes, sure there are moments of sorrow in our lives, but Christians should always exude a sense of joy because there is always something to be joyful about. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is loving a moment because it is what we want, or it pleases us. Joy, on the other hand, is deeper. It is appreciating the past, the present, and the future, not because the circumstances are pleasing, but because your heart is right with God. The Israelites were happy because the wall was finished. But they were joyful because God had helped them to finish it. They were very aware of God’s love and approval; they, therefore, were joyful.
The Levites were thankful. Are you thankful? Do you give thanks every day to God for the blessings you are enjoying now? One of the first indicators of a maturing spirit in young Christians is that they begin to give thanks to God for what He has poured into their life; for the opportunities that are before them, and for the present blessings that they do enjoy. May we all develop an attitude of celebration: joy, and thanksgiving.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, forgive us for so often forgetting all that we have to celebrate. May we develop a spirit of humility and appreciation to celebrate all You have done for us with joy and thanksgiving, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Read: Nehemiah 12:27-43
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 18:7-15; Matthew 21:33-46; Matthew 22:1-14; Job 25; Job 26; Job 27; Job 28; Job 29
