Renewal and Restoration Bring Joy

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ ” – Nehemiah 8:10 Today I want to share the story of joy experienced in a season of restoration. The Book of Nehemiah, Chapter 8, tells the story of the Jewish people chosen by God to be a force of renewal, restoration, covenant life, joy, and love in a world swallowed up by evil. Unfortunately, during this time, society was experiencing child sacrifice, human violations, and slavery. God’s people were meant to bring freedom and exemplify God’s character. But because the influence of the world seduced them, they were punished by God and exiled to Babylon.  After being exiled for 50-plus years, they returned to the Promised Land. Once the temple was