The prophet Ezra is part of the second wave as the Israelites return from exile in Babylon.  The first wave was under the leadership of Zerubbabel, and the third was under the leadership of Nehemiah.  In the second wave, as the prophet Ezra read from the law, the people began to be sad and weep, because they felt guilt and have done so much wrong. They have strayed from their calling to be God’s chosen people.  It’s interesting that Ezra told the people not to be sad and weep, but they still started weeping.  Ezra urge them to rejoice.  God has granted them a new beginning.  

They said to the people: Do not be saddened this day,

   for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!”

This is a hopeful message for us, to not be sad, but to rejoice in the Lord, and that gives us strength.  Because God is the God of new beginnings.

Don't look for a reason to be sad and weep, instead, look for a reason to be joyful.