The well of strength

When Ezra and the Levites read and explained the Law, the people mourned. The conviction of God’s Word can be grievous (Neh 8:3, 8). It cuts like knife to the soul (Heb 4:12). A heart that is right grieves because of sin, but it soon understands God’s grace. The priests told the Israelites not to grieve on that sacred day, for the joy of the Lord was their strength. Acknowledge your sin, but don’t dwell on it. Repent, resolve to move on and, drink deeply from spring of God’s grace and experience the joy that it brings.