Day 272 - Nehemiah 8 & Psalm 86

 Julie

They come together and Ezra reads the law of Moses, or the Torah, or the first five books of the Bible. This was common in the OT. They seem to be returning to the celebrations that had been commanded.

This is praising God for his steadfast love and faithfulness and asking for help and understanding in walking with God. It is also asking for help with their enemies. I feel like this could be a good prayer right now with the things that we are going through. The last line really stood out in that I would like to ask God to show me favor and to put to shame those that are persecuting me.

 

Michelle

I finally realize why some cultures pray with their heads to the ground.  It has been said before but today it hit me that this is how they did this at this time of the bible.   In saying that it makes me think that maybe some cultures do not recognize the new testament and continue to follow the laws of the Old Testament.  I am not sure why this came up in my understanding today.  

There is a very moving devotional with this chapter.  Unlimited source of Joy is the title.  It talks of how the people, upon hearing the book of the law read, realize they have not been following as God commanded and start to grieve.  But Ezra tells them "the joy of the Lord is your strength".  It says true joy originates from God and living in close connection to God, not from our situation or emotions.  We tend to think that joy comes from finishing something or overcoming something, resolving or obtaining something.  But this last part sums it up well.  "Lasting joy does not reside in God's blessings, God's favor, God's gifts or God's people, but in God himself.  Take time this day to seek the Lord and draw upon him to find your joy--your strength."

The part of this psalm that stands out is verse 11.  "Teach me  your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."  Asking for God to give you an undivided heart is the part that really stood out.  We should ask for this and make sure we are not sharing our focus in other directions.  God should be where our heart lies.