Digital Original Art Poetry Print: What Gives You Joy
by Suzanne Davis Harden ©
In the book of Nehemiah, the story is told about a scribe named Ezra who stood up and read the book of the Law to the Lord's people. They had recently been released from captivity and wept when they heard the Law of Moses read to them.
Ezra spoke and comforted them. "This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
10 Then he said unto them, "Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:9-10
The holidays are traditionally a time for gathering with family and friends to celebrate together and have a good time. But that is not always possible for everyone. Especially for those who have recently lost loved ones, or those who may be suffering from a chronic illness or depression, or recovering from something traumatic like the people in the bible story who had just returned from captivity to their homeland.
They had been sad for so long that they didn't seem to know how to respond when Ezra said, "... mourn not, nor weep..."
Then he told them to go on be happy, eat good things, send gifts, give to those who have nothing, don't be sorry for celebrating! For the joy of the Lord is your strength!
The Children of Israel were celebrating a feast unto the Lord. Well, Christians have a traditional feast we celebrate to the Lord too.
At Christmas sometimes we tend to feel guilty for splurging on gifts for our spouse or children, or giving to the poor, but, if we listen to Ezra's advice, that is just what we should do during our feast days!
Give and feel great about it! We should eat yummy things and give to those who have nothing according as we are able, and not feel one bit sad for celebrating, for the joy of the Lord is our strength, according to Ezra and he should know for he was a great man of God.
At any rate, I believe he meant we should do what gives us joy during the holy days. For he said,"... mourn not, nor weep for this day is holy unto the Lord."
Some equate holiness with being sad and feeling guilty. But he was saying no, holiness is joyful and celebrating and giving gifts and sharing with the poor.
"Do what makes for joy, do what gives you peace..." is the beginning of the prayer poem the Lord inspired me to write for this digital download art poetry print.
Its image has a holiday theme but it is a poem for for all seasons because we all need to remember in June and July the joy of making gingerbread men and decorating the house for Christmas and making sugar cookies with holiday sprinkles and shopping for fun gifts to make loved ones and friends smile.
Its a joyful poetry art print and a fun reminder that the joy of the Lord is our strength. And to "rejoice in the Lord always..."
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
*One high quality 400 ppi JPEG image file. Designed to print to 8.5" inches x 11" inches but may be scaled up or down according to preference.
You can Print & Frame your new Digital Original Art Poetry Print to encourage yourself or share with someone. You can add it to your collection in a photo album or scrap book or add it to a digital frame!
Your purchased print will NOT Be watermarked! Remember ~ since this is a digital product no physical item will be shipped to you.
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*Designed, written & Illustrated by Suzanne Davis Harden through the Indwelling Risen Lord Jesus Christ, Inspired by the Holy Spirit, to the Glory of God the Father, in Jesus' name, amen.