THE SOURCE OF OUR STRENGTH
Nehamiah 8:1-4a. 5-6; 8-12

1. This was a great day of celebration for the people of Judah. Nehemiah had led his people to a great victory.
The broken wall of Jerusalem had been a heavy burden for him. But now, it was repaired and the security for the city was restored.

2. The people had risen above their fears. They had overcome their adversaries and every impediment that stood in their way. They had worked hard and their labor had been rewarded. The Lord had helped them achieve this great accomplishment.

3. Now, it was time to celebrate. In fact, they were encouraged to celebrate. Ezra the Scribe, led them in the Dedication Service. There were shouts of praise as the people lifted up the Name of the Lord.

4. (Neh 8:6) The people were told to be joyful. There was no reason to be solemn or sad. They were celebrate their victory. However, it was the Lord Himself who was responsible for their success.

5. He was the One who had provided the strength they needed to do what they had done. He was the Source of their Strength. What He had done for them, He is still doing today.

Let’s look at:

THE SOURCE OF OUR STRENGTH.

A. IT IS THE JOY OF THE LORD.

1. (Neh 8:10) Nehemiah and the people of Judah who had been exiles in Babylon faced many obstacles when they arrived back in Jerusalem. They were slandered by those wh claimed to have wanted to help them in rebuilding the wall.

2. It seems that they were hindered in every way possible. Even Nehemiah was invited to a meeting with the intent of doing him harm after he got there. It seems that his life was in danger.
It was so bad that the people had to work and be prepared to defend themselves at the same time. (Neh 4:8—9, 17)

3. All these things were done to strike fear in the heart of Nehemiah and the people so that they might not finish the work.
Now, Nehemiah and the workman could have become discouraged. They could have compromised with their enemies.

4. However, they did neither. They were doing the Work of the Lord. It was the Joy of the Lord that enabled them to keep building. When we think about the Lord, His Goodness, His Greatness and His Grace, there will be Joy in our hearts.

5. We should be Joyful because of His Love, His Salvation and His Eternal Life that we have received as a Gift of God. It’s not because of anything we have done. Rather, He loves us and has extended His Grace toward us in spite of what we have done.

6. It is the Joy of the Lord that is our Strength. In fact, it is that Joy that will provide the Strength we need every day. So, the Source of our Strength is the Joy Of The Lord. (Neh 8:10)

B. IT IS THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD.

1. Ps 37:39 says, “But the Salvation of the Righteous is of the Lord: He is their Strength in the time of trouble.” Since the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden, there has been troubl4 for the people of this earth. No person is exempt.

2. We all go through times of trouble. Job 5:7 says that “. . ..man is born unto trouble... Job 14:1 says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.”

3. Jesus said in John 16:33, “... In this world ye shall have tribulation. Then, he says, “. . .But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Jesus said that it was going to happen whether we expect it or not. Troubles and tribulations come to all people.

4. It happens regardless of age, race or economic status. Everyone has trouble at some time in their lives. This includes Christians as well. Many times people think that when they come to Jesus and receive Eternal Life that their troubles are over. But that’s not true.

5. We still have trials and tribulations just like every one else. However, we have a home in heaven and need not fear the torments of hell. We have a personal relationship with the Greatest Person any one can ever know.

6. His Name is Jesus. He is our Lord and Savior. So, as Christians, we do not face our trouble alone. We have One who is standing with us. In fact, Jesus said in Matt 28:20,
”….Lo, I Am with you alway, even unto the end of the world...”

7. There can be no greater Promise from any greater Person than this one. Heb 13:5 says, “...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

8. Charles Spurgeon, the popular British Preacher of the nineteenth century once said, ‘While trouble over throws the wicked, it only drives the righteous to their strong Helper, who rejoices to uphold them. The child of God has the Strength of God to help him in the time of trouble.

9. So, the Source of our Strength is the Presence of the Lord. Ps 37:39 says, “...the Salvation of the Righteous Ls of the Lord: He is their Strength in the time of trouble.”

C. IT IS THE PROMISES OF TUE LORD.

1. Isa. 30:15 says, “For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be caved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. ..“ We can rest securely on the Promises of God. They will not fail under any circumstances.

2. God’s Promises are strong anchors in the storms of life. There are Promises of Salvation, Heaven and Peace just to name a few.

3. a. SALVATION.
Jesus said in Matt 11:28, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

b. HEAVEN.
Jesus said in John 14:2, “In My Father’s House are many mansions. I. I go to prepare a place for you.” In John 14:3, He said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” He promises to come back to this earth for us.

c. PEACE.
Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My Peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

4. These are just a few Promises that are made in His Word. In fact, the Promises of God are abundant in the Holy Bible. The Promises of God bring strength in the time of weakness.

5. Isa 40:29 says, “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might, he increaseth Strength.” It’s a Promise from God to those who trust Him. Isa 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their Strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

6. These are the Promises of God that will provide the strength we need in the time of weakness. So, the Source of our Strength is the Promises of God. God said in Isa 30:15, “. ..In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength...”

7. There is strength for the child of God even in the time of trial, turmoil and trouble. When we are weak, He is strong. When we falter, He is faithful. When we need help, He is our Helper. We have a Source of Supply and His Name is Jesus.

8. Discouragement will deplete our strength, but we can come to the Lord and be encouraged by His Promises. Eph 6:10 says, “...Be strong. in the Lord, and in the Power of His Might.’ Notice, it is His Strength, not our strength.

9. So, our strength is in the Lord. He is our Savior and the Source of our Salvation. In fact, He is the Source of everything we need. Faith in the Lord gives us the victory. we need. It enables us to overcome defeat and discouragement.

10. We can be Strong in the Lord. We can live in Peace and Power because of the Provision of Christ at the Cross.

Song: I CLAIM THE BLOOD.

a. I have a Source of Strength when I am weak that takes me through when life is pressing me; I have a Source of Power from above, I’m covered over by a shield of love.

chorus: I claim the Blood Jesus shed on Calvary; Those precious blood stains were made there just for me; For all my sin, my sickness and my pain, When I need healing, I claim those precious blood stains.

b. I do not know how others make it through, Who do not go to Calvary as I do; For there’s a healing, cleansing stream that flows, With peace that only His redeemed can know.

11. So, as believers, we have His Power, His Presence, His Peace, His Promises and His Joy. That was the cause for the celebration that was held in Jerusalem so many years ago.

12. Nehemiah and those exiles who had returned with him had accomplished that which was believed to be impossible. It was a good work they were doing with the help of the Good God.

13. (Neh 2:8) This was his request of the king. (Neh 2:18) He was talking to the people. The Good Hand of the Lord was upon His people. That is still true today. He is our strength.

14. His Joy, His Presence and His Promises are the Source of our Strength. We have everything we need when we have Jesus. He knows what we need and when we need it. He knows everything. He is there with that provision at just the right time. Our part is to Trust Him.