1 Chronicles 29:9 "Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy."
King David had brought his gold and silver to contribute to
the work. Then the chiefs and princes and captains had brought their money and
talent to join in the work. Then the people began to offer willingly unto the
Lord. The result of this is found in today's passage: ""Then the
people rejoiced ... And David the king also rejoiced with great joy."
Their hearts were joined in one effort for one purpose. They came to
glorify the Lord and God granted them His joy. They became strengthened in
heart and mind to the work.
Decades later, after the people had been returned from the Babylonian
captivity, they were rebuilding the wall. As they were working together in
harmony, they experienced great joy. In Nehemiah 8:10, we read "the joy of
the LORD is your strength." There is great joy in serving the Lord with
others. These are two different experiences, but we find there is
strength to be experienced as we join hearts and hands in order to do God's
will in our lives.
When in your life have you experienced the greatest joy? Can you look back on
your life and see your heart was the sweetest and lightest when you were busy
being about the Father's business? Maybe you are in that season of joy just
now. May the Lord bless us to experience joy and gladness as we serve Him!