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Joy and Lament
Listen to today’s devo!
No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. (Ezra 3:13)
Expanded Passage: Ezra 3:12-13
This past year, my wife Hannah and I moved away from both of our families to attend graduate school. During the orientation for new students, a worker spoke on the difficulty of the transition, telling us that we may be moving here with excitement and anticipation for the future, but with every transition, even toward something good, comes loss, and you may feel it before you realize it. She encouraged us to be honest about our loss, even when pursuing something good.
We needed to hear that, and this was what was happening with the Israelites. There was a profound conjunction of joy in the newness and lament over the loss as they transitioned from exile and began rebuilding the temple. They were beginning construction on the very dwelling place of God while also lamenting their loss of what was. The happiness and sadness came hand in hand during their first worship service after the exile. This example of indistinguishable celebration and mourning is a profound lesson for us on how we can celebrate the good of new beginnings while being honest about the loss we are experiencing.
Whether transitioning to a new school, job, or home, there is a place for joy because of the future expectations, and grief over what we are leaving behind. What is necessary is honesty about our circumstances.
Acknowledge both joy and lament, especially during times of transition.
Jay Drury is a second-year MDiv student at Asbury Seminary (KY), pursuing ordination in The Wesleyan Church. He is married to Hannah, whom he met at age sixteen.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
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By The Wesleyan Church
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Listen to today’s devo!
No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. (Ezra 3:13)
Expanded Passage: Ezra 3:12-13
This past year, my wife Hannah and I moved away from both of our families to attend graduate school. During the orientation for new students, a worker spoke on the difficulty of the transition, telling us that we may be moving here with excitement and anticipation for the future, but with every transition, even toward something good, comes loss, and you may feel it before you realize it. She encouraged us to be honest about our loss, even when pursuing something good.
We needed to hear that, and this was what was happening with the Israelites. There was a profound conjunction of joy in the newness and lament over the loss as they transitioned from exile and began rebuilding the temple. They were beginning construction on the very dwelling place of God while also lamenting their loss of what was. The happiness and sadness came hand in hand during their first worship service after the exile. This example of indistinguishable celebration and mourning is a profound lesson for us on how we can celebrate the good of new beginnings while being honest about the loss we are experiencing.
Whether transitioning to a new school, job, or home, there is a place for joy because of the future expectations, and grief over what we are leaving behind. What is necessary is honesty about our circumstances.
Acknowledge both joy and lament, especially during times of transition.
Jay Drury is a second-year MDiv student at Asbury Seminary (KY), pursuing ordination in The Wesleyan Church. He is married to Hannah, whom he met at age sixteen.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.