Silence Before New Joy

Neville's Inner Vision

Verse 16:9 speaks of a decree that the voices of mirth and bridal joy will be ceasing in a place. In Neville's terms the place is your inner state; the 'voice of mirth' and the 'voice of the bridegroom and bride' are symbols for interconnected joys you identify with. When the I AM withdraws the outward signs, it is not punishment but a summons to turn attention inward. The I AM—the awareness you are—does not depend on laughter or ceremonies; it remains constant beneath changing scenes. Therefore, the true interpretation is that this cessation invites you to revise your assumption: you are always the I AM, and all outer events reflect that inner state. By holding to the assumption of limitless joy as your permanent condition, you reverse the appearance: the exterior may seem quiet, yet your inner life already reverberates with the joyous reality. Remember: imagination creates reality, and the moment you refuse to accept lack as final, you awaken the inner marriage—the wholeness of your being—where the bridegroom and bride are one I AM in action.