Ezra 7:10
Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you...
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness....
Jesus explained that fasting should be done without fanfare; and not “of a sad countenance” so as to “appear unto men to fast …...