"Sound of Joy Heard Miles Away" Nehemiah 12-13; Acts 4:23-37

A surprising deliverance of God's people out of such terrible distress. Most likely the author of Psalm 126 is Ezra himself according to commentaries. They have just experienced what is penned as the "most remarkable captivity" in history to date. Nehemiah 13:31. A Calling to be thankful and it can be applied to our own lives. Psalm 126:3. The harps hanging from the willow trees are pulled down. "Providence pipes to them, and they dance." M. Henry A turning again. And the people "thought themselves like men that dream." Mouths filled with laughter. Tongues slipping out singing. Hearts full vent to joy.
Glory to God. And some rejoicing is with trembling,for they bear on the sleeve of their hearts the grievances that were yet to be redressed." We are changed in a twinkling of an eye. Yet, we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling. For no change is overnight news. May all of us who have been left behind in the wake of Providence, may we turn again to God to perfect our salvation. "The beginnings of mercy are encouragements to us to pray for the completing of it." The tears themselves are the seeds we must sow. "Those who sow in the tears of godly sorrow shall reap in the joy of a sealed pardon and a settled peace." M. Henry God, could you just make me rejoice with great joy over what I do "get" about you? My name is written in the Book of Life -Rev 20:15---I know it! Isn't that ineffable cause to scream with joy even in the midst of imminent imbroglios? Neh 12:43 God made them rejoice with great joy. God, may our joy be heard loudly where we breathe and break and bend.

PHOTO: You do feel small when your shadow reaches out to the ocean. It's a big world out there.  And it's a big deal with a captivity that is marked in history. Here is one that turned lives around.