From Rubble to Restorationنموونە

Joy

The rebuilding project in Jerusalem was completed. As with any big project that comes an end, it was time to celebrate.  But the subject of this celebration wasn’t the wall or that accomplishment.  Although the wall was finished, there were still lives that were broken and needed healing.  So the leaders decided to assemble everyone into the square.

Picture this scene.  Ezra the prophet was standing on a wooden pulpit in front of the former exiles. They all gathered to hear something they hadn’t heard in a very long time, feasting on every line Ezra read. It was the Book of the Law of Moses, which was most likely the first five books of what now makes up our Bible.

Can you imagine if you hadn’t heard a word from the Bible in years?  Have you ever had a thirst to hear like these people did?  As they listened in their broken state, the words pierced their hearts. Nehemiah 8:9 says, “For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.”  But for every tear that was shed, Nehemiah encouraged them by saying, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  They celebrated with great joy because they now understood the words that had been made known to them!

As you go down this road of healing, have you made it a priority to daily quench your thirst with the Word of the Lord? Are you like the Israelites, and it’s been weeks, months or even years since you dove deeply into the Bible?  The result of their time spent listening to the Book of the Law was a joy like none other!

God’s word is a healing balm that can give people joy in what seems to be the hardest of trials.  As you soak in the words of the Lord, allow them to restore some of the joy that may have been robbed by your illness.  

Questions:

1.  What drives you to read your Bible?

2.  Have you read a Bible verse that renewed your hope during a tough time? 

3.  What is a Bible story or passage that has given you encouragement in the past?  Take some time to read that again today.