“To celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.” Nehemiah 8:12 NIV
The people celebrated with great joy because they now understood the words which had been made known to them. God’s Word makes known to us His “precious and magnificent promises” (2 Peter 1:4). “As many as are the promises of God, in [Christ] they are yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20)! The Bible not only promises us complete pardon for all of our past sins, it also promises the LORD’s presence and sustaining grace in the present and the untold joy of eternity with Him in the future. It tells us that He “has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3). When we go through deep trials, Satan tempts us to think that the LORD does not care for us. It’s easy to quit reading our Bibles because we think, “These things don’t seem to apply in my case.” But it’s especially at such times that we need to be devouring the Bible. It reassures us of our LORD’s love and grace. It tells of other believers who have endured incredibly difficult trials by trusting in God’s Word. It gives us a much-needed perspective on trials. Properly understanding and applying God’s Word will fill us with His joy, even during excessive burdens, take note of Paul’s words, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles…We were under great pressure…But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead (2 Corinthians. 1:8-9).
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, thank You for Your Word that brings joy even in days of trouble.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Thank You Lord for the joy Your Words bring to us during the trials of life, reminding us of Who You are. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
2 Kings 4:8-17
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