Celia Stone: As often as possible, we should choose joy

King Nebuchadnezzar II and the Babylonians laid siege to Jerusalem in 589 B.C., eventually razing it to the ground, and in 586 B.C. destroying the Temple built by King Solomon. Many Jewish people were taken into captivity to Babylon while others were exiled to different countries.

Approximately 47 years later, Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, allowed the Judaeans to return home and some did, in waves. Many, however, chose to remain in Babylon after the Jewish Diaspora.

The Old Testament Books of Ezra and Nehemiah describe the rebuilding of the Temple. Nehemiah, cupbearer to Persian King Artaxerxes, gets word that Jerusalem, the land of his ancestors, lies in ruins. He faithfully prays for God’s intervention and guidance.

Artaxerxes allows Nehemiah to go and even provides timber to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. The Jewish people who have returned work diligently to rebuild the city’s wall, constantly on guard due to threats from opposing forces.

Once the wall finally is rebuilt and the Israelites are settled in their towns, they hold a large gathering. The teacher of the law, Ezra, is told to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses and to read it aloud before the assembly, from daybreak until noon. The people listen attentively.

“Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, ‘Amen! Amen!’ Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” Nehemiah 8:6

“Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and the teacher of the law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the law.

“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.’

“The Levites calmed all the people, saying, ‘Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.’ Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.” Nehemiah 8: 9-12

Those who hear the reading of the law are cut to the heart because of their own unfaithfulness and sin. In their years of captivity or exile, many had forgotten the word of God and had not trusted God’s promises. Upon hearing the Scripture after such a long hiatus, they are struck with grief. Nehemiah tells them to focus on God’s provision and faithfulness as opposed to their own history of shortcomings and difficulties.

As much as is possible, we should choose joy. We should focus on God’s relentless love and unconditional forgiveness, as opposed to our failings and regrets. While we are alive, it never is too late to get a fresh start. We have time to adjust our perspective. Rather than repeatedly mulling over missed opportunities, mistakes or wasted time, let us joyfully stand firm in God’s promises of good things for those called according to his purpose.