Rejoice In God’s Strength

Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT)

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

In Chapter 8 of Nehemiah the Law of the Lord was read, when the people heard the word of God they were sadden. Nehemiah encouraged them that such sadness of heart was not necessary. Instead, he said, “Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared.” (Nehemiah 8:10). He encouraged them to find their strength in the joy of the Lord, to express generosity, celebrate God's goodness, and embrace a holy and joyful perspective in their lives.

Nehemiah encouraged the people to celebrate! God had delivered them out of exile and had given them the strength to rebuild their home; that is certainly cause for celebration. When we recognize that God is with us, we can find perfect joy in Him, and we will be quick to share that joy with others by telling them about what God has done for us.

Rejoicing in God can give us the strength to face all of life’s challenges. We can better focus on God instead of our fears, and we can help others learn about the joy we have. God will provide you with everything you need if you will trust in Him and believe that He will do it. The apostle Paul recognizes that God's grace and power are enough to sustain and strengthen him in his trials and weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:9, “He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Trust that God’s power is stronger than what can come against you. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

As you reflect on this verse be thankful to God for what He has done, ask Him to remain at the center of your life, and you can be sure that His peace will follow. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

You can trust that God’s strength is sufficient in everything. If you are fearful be encouraged God’s power is greater than all that threatens you. I invite you to evaluate the source of your strength, celebrate God's faithfulness, and share the joy that comes from being anchored in Him. Rejoice in the Lord!

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