“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Neh 8:10)
We recently celebrated the birthday of a 80 years old lady who was still mourning the death of a close relative. It was not easy to bring a smile on a sad face but with God all things are possible. How do you encourage somebody who is deeply depressed? Man cannot do it! It has to be the work of the Holy Spirit who alone is able to comfort the broken hearted.
This is the advice Nehemiah gave to the people who because they have suffered much in the past, were now sad and very disappointed in the present. He said that for the sake of the holiness of God who is never sad, who never regrets His words and His actions, we too should be holy! The word ‘holy’ means ‘to be like God’: to be different than the world (which is angry, frustrated, jealous and greedy). To be holy it means to be pure in heart and motives. This holiness is expected from God’s children especially during Sundays, our holy day of worshipping God. Practically, this holiness manifests by prayer for spiritual strength to do things impossible before; by joy replacing the past sorrow and by supernatural generosity.
Dear children, this Sunday please go to church and praise God! Trust God to do new things in your life! Share your heart, your time and your money with others who have less than you. Do not be sad! Do not be weak! Do not be greedy! As you obey the Word of God, the blessings of obedience shall follow and overtake you! This is the promise of God! May you taste and see that God is good! God bless you! Have a blessed Sunday!!! In Jesus name, amen!
Green Pastures 