Weeping with Joy

Cyrus reigned over Persia and was used by God to bring the people of Israel back together and rebuild the temple. As the foundation of the temple was completed the people were filled with joy and began to shout loudly. Ezra 3:12 says, "Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' households, the old men how had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, while many shouted aloud for joy."

Haggai says of this event, "Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison?" My study notes say, that some of the older exiles had seen Solomon's magnificent temple, destroyed by the Babylonians 66 years earlier. This one seemed like nothing in comparison to the original. The older exiles must have been beyond excited to be given the opportunity to rebuilt the temple. Yet, after seeing the new foundation after their hard toil over it, they were filled with joy yet sadness over how it looked.

At times in our lives there is sorrow. We weep over what has become of what we've built up in ourselves, families and jobs. It might be that we were once walking side-by-side with the Lord and something changed that caused us to pull back. Those are hard times when you realize you are no longer on the mountain but in the valley wondering what happened. But then God calls us to Him and restores us as we slowly climb out of that valley and up by Him on the high mountain. "He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places." Psalm 18:33. That is when our tears turn to shouts of joy as we continue to be restored and healed. Psalm 126:5-6 says, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a should to joy, bringing his sheaves with him."

Oh Lord, may you give me hinds' feet to climb up to the high places nearer to You. Restore me to Yourself. Thank you that you bring joy after weeping. Healing after wounding. May I be more like You and less like me. Amen!

Krista Jones
5.22.08