Ezra 3:11b …And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
I think we’ve covered the fact that I have a hard time with change. And this chapter brings my attention back to the fact that our attitude is so important, especially as we face the daily changes of life. Being committed to seeing and celebrating (or at least acknowledging) the inherent blessings in our lives helps us to have a more positive attitude.
Ezra 3:12 But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.
Yesterday I made a concentrated effort to look for and celebrate the positive. I did not ignore the negative, I wasn’t toxically positive, but instead of allowing the negative to consume me, I consciously sought out the positive as well. There were things that could have ruined my day, but I chose not to obsess on them. This practice made an incredible difference to my overall attitude yesterday. It is definitely a practice I need to continue to incorporate in my daily life.
Ezra 3:13a No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that we can choose to wail and lament over what is lost or we can make a concerted effort to find and celebrate the beauty and blessings that You abundantly provide. It’s not easy, Lord. The negative, the loss, can easily draw us in if we allow. Give us the strength to focus on You. Help us to praise You for Your goodness, love, and mercy, which abound. Draw us closer. Amen.
Ezra 3:13b …And the sound was heard far away.
Have a blessed day.