Eric Greenwell
The Search for Joy
At the end of the 6th Century BC the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the magnificent temple of Solomon, taking the inhabitants captive. More than fifty years later, Babylonian itself had been conquered by Persian and Cyrus issued his edict allowing Jews who wished to return to Jerusalem the permission to do so.
Slowly the people returned home. They rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They rebuilt the temple. They had freedom and peace and safety, but despite this they were not happy. Gathering together they listened to Ezra read from the Book of Moses. When they realized how far they had come from where God wanted them to be, they started to mourn and weep. But Nehemiah encouraged them saying, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
We all have a hunger that can only be satisfied by the scriptures. Unless we take time to read the scriptures, we can never have true joy. God gives us surprises. God gives us blessings. Most of all, God give us grace. It is these that bring us true and lasting joy.
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all Your works.
Psalm 73:25, 26, 28