If My People

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them. Nehemiah 8:10-12

Today's reading reminds us that there is a rhythm in a Godly life -- a time for fasting and a time for celebrating. We have been fasting and praying for our country about 40 days, but now is the time to stop that emphasis and spend our time praising God and thanking Him for answered prayer.

In the verse above Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites comforted the people who had been fasting and repenting of their sins with great sadness. They insisted that everyone should now eat the best parts of the meat and even to send portions to those who had not participated in their acts of penance and prayer. God is so gracious that He sends blessings to everyone if only a small portion of people pray and seek His face. God is not a stingy curmudgeon. He loves us all. And our prayers do more good for more people than we can imagine.