God has created us emotional beings who can experience a full spectrum of emotions. It is natural for us to respond emotionally to life's situations, and to what we hear and see. So, when the people heard clearly God's word, they realized not only how sinful they were, but that their present dire circumstances was due to their disobedience. And they responded with sorrow and grief. There definitely is a time for sorrow when we hear God's Word and are under the conviction of sin. But on this particular day, Ezra encourages the people to rejoice and to party, for the day was sacred to the Lord! But what if we do not feel like it? Our obedience to God and to His Word is NOT to be driven by our feeling, but by our faith. The joy we experience as Christians is NOT to be dependent upon our circumstances. We can be joyful even in the midst of sorrow, for 'the joy of the Lord is our strength!' Our job is found in experiencing the presence of God, for He is the source of our joy. And our joy is found in understanding and obeying God's word--whether we feel like it our not. For when we do what we know to right, in spite of not feeling like doing it, God blesses our lives with His joy! So, we do not obey God because we feel like it. Rather, by faith we obey--and the good feelings follow.
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