Happy are the people whose God is the Lord! Psalm 144:15.

There is something beautiful in this chapter, Nehemiah 8. The people have gathered together desiring to be taught. Ezra read from the book of the Law. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. v. 8. Their hearts were open to desiring to understand. As they began to understand there was weeping. Have you ever felt close to God and felt tears because you knew you were undergoing a change and that it was important? Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and 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. v. 9. Again, a second day of gathering to hear and learn and the Scripture telling them to live in temporary shelters that month to remember their ancestors living in temporary dwellings in the desert. The whole company that had returned from exile built temporary shelters and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great. v. 17. Can you imagine the closeness they felt to one another and to God?

I think about the times we live in where noise is constant and intrusive. I remember quieter times growing up that seemed so much simpler than today. You had time to think your own thoughts and be touched by the simple beauty of nature bringing you out of yourself for awhile as you felt wonder and curiosity in something so much bigger than yourself. We need those reminders of something so much bigger than ourselves. It’s good to be reminded that the One who created such beauty all around us is ready to touch our hearts and minds with a quiet joy and peace only found with God. Open our hearts, Lord. Let your peace surround us with understanding. You created. You love. You listen and share wonders that lead us gently home to You. Thank You, Lord, for quiet with You that restores our weary souls and brings gladness to our hearts and minds hungering for understanding. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. v. 10. He loves to share His joy. He loves.