Christian Devotional – September 1, 2024

Hope, Day 6

Joyful hope. Read Ezra chapter 6.

You know that point in the movie where you see the hero or heroine, who has been knocked down the entire show, rise up in victory and conquer their enemies? That’s the feeling I get when I read this chapter. The people of Israel have been vindicated for everything they were saying. As a bonus, all of their enemies ended up having to help them accomplish God’s will.

Here at the end of the construction project, we see the people celebrating by offering sacrifices to the Lord and observing the holidays that God had instituted before. The people have joy. When we are obedient to the Lord, we are filled with joy. We know that what God is doing is truly changing us and changing those around us and that gives us joy.

When we are following through on God’s desire for our life, we will be filled with joy. Are we seeing the joy, the peace, and the hope that comes from committing ourselves to Jesus Christ and following through on his commands to us?

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