Esther Reading Plan – W11D3
Check out all the previous Esther readings here.
Esther Reading Plan | Week 11 | Day 3
Prayer
Take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times. This helps you be more present and aware. Ask God to open your eyes to wonderful things from HIs word today.
Bible Reading: Psalm 126
Read these verses three times slowly.
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Reflection & Questions
We are reflecting this week on the celebration of the Jews when they were spared from annihilation by God’s grace through the work of Esther and Mordecai.
In this Psalm today, we see how the spiritual act of celebration can help us in our faith. The Psalmist is facing a troubling situation. We aren’t told exactly what, but they have lost their money and they are sorrowful (filled with “tears” and “weeping”). It is possible that they’ve experienced a terrible harvest and are facing dire circumstances with no money or food.
But the psalm doesn’t start with their problem. It begins with remembrance. It begins with recalling a time when God came through for them and how they were filled with joy. They were “restored”, “filled with laughter”, singing “songs of joy”. The psalmist is reminding the people that God is good. In the midst of a tough situation, he calls them to remember when God came through before.
But do you notice what else the psalmist says? He encourages them to be the kind of people who as they “go out weeping”, they are also “carrying seed to sow.” For they “will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” This is a wonderful picture of faith. A sorrowful people who are still exercising their faith in God by putting themselves out there again. They do not give up. They trust. They act on their faith and they will see God come through. When we face tough, even dire situations, it is appropriate to grieve. It is good to remember God’s goodness. And it is good to continue to trust, to continue to act on our faith. God will come through and turn our sorrow into joy.
- How can you help yourself remember God’s faithfulness in the midst of tough situations? One way is to have reminders throughout your home of ways God has come through for you.
- The psalmist encourages the people in a tough situation to remember God’s goodness, to grieve and to act in faith. In tough circumstances, which of those do you do well? Which do you leave out?
Prayer
Pray in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Prepare to Meet with Jesus
Find a quiet place to read and pray. Make sure there are no devices around that will distract you. Pray and ask God to help you concentrate. Ask Him to help you understand what you read.
Bible Reading: Esther 9:16-19
Read these verses three times slowly.
But the Jews in Susa had gathered together on the 13th and 14th. Then on the 15th they rested. They made it a day to celebrate with great joy. And they enjoyed good food. That’s why Jews who live out in the villages celebrate on the 14th of Adar. They celebrate that day with great joy. And they enjoy good food. They also give presents to each other on that day.
Reflection & Questions
The Jews did a lot of fighting in 2 days! They were probably pretty exhausted but also feeling victorious and grateful to God. They had reason to celebrate and so they did! They took the next day and rested from all their fighting and celebrated with good food and presents.
Parties and holiday celebrations are a lot of fun, aren’t they? They give you a break from the normal stuff you do every day and you probably anticipate them for days before they actually happen! Many of our holidays include a celebration of what God has done for us. At Christmas time we celebrate Jesus’ birth. At Easter we celebrate his resurrection and the gift of salvation that he gave us. At Thanksgiving we take time to thank God for the many blessings He has given us.
- What is your favorite holiday to celebrate? What part of that day do you enjoy the most?
- Do you include God in your celebrations? How do you do that?
Pray
As you think of the holidays you celebrate, thank God for being a part of each one. Thank him for the gifts he gives you and for the special times you can celebrate with your family and friends.
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate