2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, ~ Nehemiah 2:2KJV
Nehemiah’s brother, along with some other men, had just returned from Jerusalem and told Nehemiah that the walls and gates of Jerusalem were broken down and burned, and the place was in shambles. And the remnant there in the province who had survived the exile was in great trouble and shame.
It broke Nehemiah’s heart, and his countenance changed from one of joy to one of mourning. What was happening was he was expressing outwardly what he felt inwardly. His equilibrium was in balance.
Now watch this. Countenance is the outward showing of God’s love that is in you and in me which is expressed on our faces through rejoicing. It is our way of expressing thankfulness to God our Father for His numerous blessings on us.
It’s our offering to Him. And now, this is the exciting part; rejoicing is directly related to the harvest. Every feast and every offering. Every harvest time and every sheep shearing time was to be accompanied with gladness and rejoicing.
Rejoice! Because the Lord, your God, has made you glad and has blessed you with good things to enjoy. Rejoice and be glad because the LORD your God has dealt wondrously with you. Meaning, He has given you a bountiful blessing to enjoy; now show thanks. So, remove that frown. Get rid of that downcast face. Look up and rejoice because the LORD our God reigns.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Lift Your Countenance.