S: Nehemiah 8:9-10 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
O: The people presumably wept because they realised how much they and their ancestors had not been following the Law of God. But this wasn't the time for weeping, but rather of joy at the restoration.
A: There is a time to weep in repentance, but there is also a time to rejoice that we are now committed to following the LORD. We do need to repent of our sins when we realise what we are doing is wrong, but we also can rejoice in the strength of the LORD when we do start following Him again.
P: Father, thank You that you have turned our mourning into dancing. In Jesus' name, amen.
Note: this is using the SOAP method. For more information, see this page (not written by me.)
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