joy & strength PArt 1

Nehemiah was called by God to do a very difficult thing. Seventy years had passed after God had punished the nation of Judah for their sin.  Now it was time to rebuild.  
Chapter 1 of Nehemiah tells about the miraculous way Nehemiah was called, and then how God provided the security, supplies, time and encouragement from no less than the king of Persia.  The book of Nehemiah is an adventure of back and forth as he pursues the task of rebuilding Jerusalem. There is trouble, distress, bad news AND hard work.  Chapter 8 is a pivotal point when the law is read by Ezra and the people of God listen and weep as they hear the law.  All of us recognize our human limitations in doing what we know we should be doing.  Nehemiah said something to this group that has become an encouragement to believers down through the centuries.  In Nehemiah 8:10,
after telling the people to celebrate the holy day unto the Lord, he concluded with this powerful caveat:

And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

That difficulty has an end.  The Lord knows how to deliver after a tremendous loss.  Look up! He is a God of miracles.   The Joy of the Lord is your strength!  Praise God! 

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