JOY

 I was thinking back to March of 2020 at the moment when I first saw a person get out of their car in the parking lot of the grocery store and they were wearing a mask. Can you believe it? I will never wear a mask. This person was being so extreme. 

Little by little I saw people wearing masks not because they had to but because they wanted to. I resisted and yelped, no way not me.

Very quickly the mandates were made by the IL governor, the lockdowns started, we were in QUARANTINE!

No matter the opinion of the mask to where or not where it has been a whole year. Am I dreaming, can this be happening still?

Such confusing times we live in. The crazy saying, "History always repeats itself", rings true.

JOY-JESUS THE REBUILDER

 When I moved I was fighting against the grief of leaving the place I lived for over thirty years. When I thought of starting over it seemed to be exciting and maddening at the same time. 

Have you ever felt like reconstruction of your life was apparent?

Nehemiah had a considerable awareness when he found the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. 

When he heard these things, he sat down and wept. For some day he mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4.

His prayer was answered just as mine is being answered. Things began to fall in place. People, kings gave Nehemiah favor and the resources to rebuild quickly came and a plan fell in place. 

Upon the completion and the Israelites continually saw this provision and the journey of the rebuild they remained close to God and felt his presence. He told the people, "Do not grieve for the JOY of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

We need not grow weary because Jesus rebuilds and strengthens us with JOY.

Lord help me to rebuild with you. Amen.