Sunday, 8-11-2024

The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength

Nehemiah 8:5–10 

Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet. 

6 Then Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 

7 The Levites—…—then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 10 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!”

Life can be tough: Don't quit, don’t give up!

You must make up your mind now to never give up. 

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." 

Hebrews 12:1–2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

Even in tough times, you simply can't give up! 

But in him, Jesus, we don't quit, we don’t give up!

The joy of the Lord is your strength

During tough times, the core of your joy, if you have joy at all, is going to be in your relationship with God in and through Jesus Christ. 

The Lord's strength is unlimited, and forever strong. 

Our confidence in God is, at times, the only strength we know.

Put God first, in all things. 

Read your Bible. Know your Bible. Pray your Bible. 

Choose joy, Practice joy

Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Joy is a choice I make, you make, we make each day. “ 

Joy is something you've also got to practice. 

If you can practice joy in the midst of tough times, you'll move quickly from "surviving" to "thriving."

John 3:16  “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not die lost, but have eternal life.

God doesn't force anyone to believe in Jesus. 

God only wants those with Him who want to be there.