Joy Gems

Joy Mixed with Tears

Ezra 3:11-13 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: "He is good; his love to Israel endures forever."

And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.

After their dispersion, when the Israelites rebuilt their temple with Ezra's leadership, there was joy and tears mixed together. They were so glad to be back in their country and have a temple for worship once more. However, it was not nearly as beautiful as what they'd had in the past. Those who could remember the former temple wept with disappointment and shame at the sin that had caused the destruction of that first temple which Solomon built.

Do you ever have your joy mixed with tears too?

I see that you and I are not the first to experience this. Some things are just bittersweet that way.

Just now the testimonies come to mind of those who came to the Lord later in life, after wasting many years in sin. They rejoice in salvation, and perhaps more so than those who have loved the Lord from their childhood, but there is that measure of regret mixed in.

Should we dwell on past wrongs though? No way!

PRAYER: Oh Lord, help us to recognize our sin, mourn the loss, but then focus more on the joy we have in You and Your wondrous salvation. It wasn't too late for us; You reclaimed us for Your glory! Oh Hallelujah! Help us to dry our eyes and constantly praise and serve You! Amen.

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