Shouting and Weeping

 Scripture:

“When the builders established the Lord’s temple, the priests, ceremonially attired and with their clarions, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with their cymbals, stood to praise the Lord according to the instructions left by King David of Israel. With antiphonal response they sang, praising and glorifying the Lord: “For he is good; his loyal love toward Israel is forever.” All the people gave a loud shout as they praised the Lord when the temple of the Lord was established.” ‭‭Ezra‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

King Cyrus of Persia, a foreign king, felt from God to rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem for God Almighty. He heard from the Lord and started the work. HE was an outsider, but one who did what he felt the Lord wanted him to do. When the Temple was established, the priests and Levites, praised God how David had taught them. The people wept and shouted at the top of their lungs. They sang out, “For He is good; His loyal love toward Israel is forever.”

Application:

There are shouting seasons in our lives when we need to give God a triumphal shout, declaring how awesome He is. We must learn that God isn’t afraid of celebration, in initiated it in Israel’s day. There are times when weeping and shouting go together. Weeping at the goodness of God and shouting shouts of victory because we see His hand moving in our lives. We must be willing to do both. 

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, You are awesome and I love You with all my heart. Teach me to follow Your ways. Help me to know when to celebrate and when to weep. Show me when and how to build a building for Word of Life. Provide the necessary things to get land and build for Your kingdom. Like David, I want to build a house for You in the region I have given my life to build Your kingdom in. Let me always be led by Your Spirit and not my desires.

Yours,

Jeff