8/5/24 Lit Word “Humble Joy”

Date: 8/5/24
Today's Reading:
OT: Ezra 3:1 - 4:24
NT: 1 Corinthians 1:18 - 2:5
Psalms: 28:1-9
Proverbs: 20:24-25

Neal’s Lit Word

Title: “Humble Joy”

Scripture: Ezra 3:12-13

Yet many of the old people and heads of households who had seen the former temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of the new temple was laid before their eyes, while many shouted aloud with joy; so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard far away.

Observation: What is God saying to me?

Much noise brings great confusion. Like Ezra, you also live in loud and confusing times on so many levels. The political world is in turmoil, the church is in turmoil, people's moral code and character are compromised from the leaders to everyday citizens. Many people have turned their back on Me, the Lord.

The voice of the enemy has brought lack of clarity around the world. Confusion has become the normal sound of the day.

While some are weeping, you should stand with joy. Not a joyful arrogance, or proud display of confidence in your strength, but in Mine. When the world is rocked with confusion and weeping overwhelms the people, be a voice of hope and joy. You have been given the key to the kingdom. Unlock the door, you’ve been given the key for a reason.

We don’t gloat in our goodness but instead we glorify God for His goodness in a dark and hurting world. This is light that shines bright in the darkness and brings glory to God, the only One who deserves it.

Application: What will I do about it?

Set aside worldly confusion, do not allow it to distract you from the task at hand. You are the temple of the Living God (1 Corinthians 3:16). Allow My grace, mercy and joy to fill your temple, then share that hope and joy with the world around you. If you can’t hush the sound of weeping you can at least lift the voice of hope and joy.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, for years You have brought Me hope in the innermost part of my being. You have allowed Me to grow, stumble, fail and get back up time and time again. Today is a day of humble joy. I will share this joy with those around me and bring the hope you have brought to me to a lost and hurting world. Not by My strength, but through Yours. Amen.

I Am Grateful For… Joy in the face of fear and confusion.

Tracker Questions

How is the world around you weeping loudly in this season?

What would it look like for you to raise a banner of humble joy and dependence on the Savior in this season?