52 Days. Day 52, Know When to Consecrate and When to Celebrate.

Nehemiah 8:8-12 (NKJV) 8 “So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped [them] to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, who [was] the governor, Ezra the priest [and] scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day [is] holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. 10 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.” 11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day [is] holy; do not be grieved.” 12 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.” One of the great challenges for anyone who sets themself apart to fast and pray, is to know when to say when. We have the tendency to think, ‘If only I had prayed longer. If only I had done more.’ ‘If only I…’ This makes it about us and not about our Lord; and only leads to pride and condemnation. We do what we can, in the moment that we are in, and then we need to celebrate that God is the One who gives the increase! Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Today is that day! As we close out 52 Days of consecration, rejoice in the goodness and mercy of God. And be thankful for what He will do, with what little we have done. Whatever you have been fasting from, it’s over, after today. It’s time to celebrate the great and mighty God we serve, giving Him all the glory!