Ezra 1-3: Tears in the Midst of Joy

Ezra 3:12-13
Amplified Bible (AMP)

12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first house [Solomon’s temple], when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice, though many shouted aloud for joy.

13 So the people could not distinguish the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard far off.



We've all done it...compared the glory of things past with our present. What is it about human beings that causes us to never be satisfied with the blessings of now, the things present in this moment?

The present never seems to measure up with the "good old days." And even more insidious, the present blessings are not quite as good as what is coming in the future. We have a difficult time with remaining present, in the now!

I think of how a child reacts to the wonder of the moment. A new experience sparks a joyful and curious pleasure. I love watching a child take pleasure in the blessing of the moment.

We are to be like a child. Our gratefulness for the moment blesses our Father in heaven. Let's not be stuck in past blessings or fixated on the future blessings. When we allow ourselves to be distracted from the now, the blessing directly in front of us becomes muddled. Our vision is dimmed and our hearts become ungrateful.

"Now" is the time to see and be thankful. "Now" is the time to "shout for joy." Let's not waste our tears on the past. Let's not long for a future at the expense of missing what awesome pleasures await us NOW!



Hebrews 13:5
Amplified Bible (AMP)

5 Let your [a]character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] [b]Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor [c]give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [d][I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor [e]let [you] down ([f]relax My hold on you)! [[g]Assuredly not!]



No tears in the midst of joy!  In Jesus' name, AMEN!!!