Scripture:

“When the workers laid the foundation of The Temple of God, the priests in their robes stood up with trumpets, and the Levites, sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise God in the tradition of David king of Israel. They sang antiphonally praise and thanksgiving to God:

All the people boomed out hurrahs, praising God as the foundation of The Temple of God was laid. As many were noisily shouting with joy, many of the older priests, Levites, and family heads who had seen the first Temple, when they saw the foundations of this Temple laid, wept loudly for joy. People couldn’t distinguish the shouting from the weeping. The sound of their voices reverberated for miles around.” Ezra 3:10-13 (MSG)

Perspective:

The exiled people were now back in Israel, attempting to rebuild their lives. The center of their lives had always been around their heritage and honoring God in the Temple. Yet, time had passed, enemy armies had won, and there were only ruins left of the remnant of the former Temple. When the people started rebuilding, there was great joy among the people. Everyone was excited and praising God, but one group of people celebrated a little differently. Those who had seen the first Temple wept with joy. These people were not just thankful that they were now home. They remembered their loss, the defeat, and tragedy, so the prospect of rebuilding was even sweeter.

Have you ever had something taken from you? It may have been an opportunity, loved one, missed moment, or loss of something else. It can be challenging to find joy in circumstances that remind us of pain. Joy comes in various forms. Whether we shout with enthusiasm or cry tears of relief, joy can be felt no matter our circumstances. We tend to bemoan loss in our lives. Yet, God tends to turn our losses into gifts if we let Him. While it may seem easier if we never experience loss in order to celebrate, we can have a newfound appreciation for the gifts that are being rebuilt and restored in our lives. Hold on to the redemptive story in your circumstance. God brings new joy each morning.

Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002.  Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. 

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About Hona Amer

I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.

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