Being Joyful and Glad of Heart Today

Today marks the 23rd day of the 7th month in the Hebrew religious calendar. I want to highlight this day, as it is referenced in 2 Chronicles, following an extraordinary feast during King Solomon's reign.

This feast was remarkable because it included seven days dedicated to the altar of the new temple Solomon had built, culminating in a week of feast celebration observance. Let's look at 2 Chronicles 7:8-10 (NKJV):

8 At that time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly from the entrance of Hamath to the Brook of Egypt. 9 And on the eighth day they held a sacred assembly, for they observed the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. 10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people away to their tents, joyful and glad of heart for the good that the Lord had done for David, for Solomon, and for His people Israel.

This feast surely left lasting memories for all who attended. The day after the eighth day, the people returned home with joy and gladness in their hearts. Why? Because of the wonderful blessings the Lord had bestowed upon David, Solomon, and the people of Israel.

This feast surely left lasting memories for all who attended. The day after the eighth day, the people returned home with joy and gladness in their hearts. Why? Because of the wonderful blessings the Lord had bestowed upon David, Solomon, and the people of Israel.

As some of you travel home after the eighth day and others extend your journeys over the coming week, I hope you, too, feel that same joy and gladness in your hearts for what God has done during this feast.

We have so much to be joyful and glad of heart for after eight days of observing God's feast days. We've been rejuvenated through daily spiritual nourishment that reveals God's magnificent plan for the church and all humanity. We've enjoyed wonderful fellowship with fellow members of the Church of God and shared delightful meals and conversations together--all part of the command to rejoice and learn to fear God at the feast.

On this 23rd day of the 7th month, may you each carry joy and gladness in your hearts as you return home. Indeed, we are incredibly blessed-- maybe more so than the Israelites--returning to homes with warmth, access to food, and vibrant congregations that God has provided for our spiritual growth under God's guiding hand.

Have a joyful heart of gladness on this 23rd day of the seventh month!

W.M.Bradford