Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a festival and a holiday.”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, July 10, 2026
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
God loves a party. Ceremony, celebration, these are things that bring meaning to our faith tradition. When we can come together in joy, we are joined in a powerful way with each other and with God. Yes, God is present in lament, in suffering, in grief. But it’s so important for us to take time to celebrate all the ways we are deeply gifted in our lives.
My father died in April. His funeral service was a true celebration of his life and legacy. There was so much grief, but also so much joy, laughter, song, hope. It was “a festival and a holiday,” as Esther says.
And, on top of that, I’m getting married in October. I cannot wait to publicly proclaim my commitment to my fiancée in front of the cloud of witnesses in my congregation, my family, my friends.
Does this negate my grief over losing my dad? Does it take away the deep suffering of so many people in our world? Of course not. But God calls us to celebrate in the midst of our lament, to remind us to “taste and see that God is good!”
My friends, rejoice in God always. And again, I say, Rejoice!
Is it time for a party in my life? What can I find to celebrate?
