Celebrate Your Sources of Strength

Neh. 8:10; Ps. 37:39; Isa. 30:15

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

Nehemiah had led his people to a great victory.

  1. The broken wall of Jerusalem had been his burden.
  2. Now the wall had been repaired.
    1. The people had risen above their fears.
    2. They had overcome their adversaries.
    3. Their labor had been rewarded.

 

Ezra led the dedication service.

  1. Shouts of praise were lifted to the Lord.  (Neh. 8:6)
  2. The people were encouraged to celebrate.
    1. They were told to be joyful, not solemn nor sad.
    2. They were to celebrate the source of their strength.

 

We ought to celebrate our sources of strength.

 

THE JOY OF THE LORD PROVIDES STRENGTH  (Neh. 8:10)

1.      Nehemiah and his people had faced many obstacles.

a.      They could have become discouraged.

b.      They could have compromised with their enemies.

2.      The joy of the Lord enabled them to keep building.

3.      We ought to be joyful of God’s love, His grace, His salvation.

4.  The joy of the Lord will replenish our strength every day.

 

THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD PROVIDES STRENGTH  (Ps. 37:39)

  1. “He is their strength in the time of trouble”
  2. We all go through times of trouble.
    1. “Man is born unto trouble…”  Job 5:7
    2. “Man is of few days and full of trouble”  Job 14:1
    3. “In the world ye shall have tribulation”  John 16:33
  3. Christians do not face trouble alone.
    1.  “ I am with you always”  (Matt. 28:20)
    2. “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee”  (Heb. 13:5)
  4. When trouble overthrows the wicked, it only drives the righteous to their strong Helper, who rejoices to uphold them.”   (C.H. Spurgeon)

 

THE PROMISES OF THE LORD PROVIDES STRENGTH  (Isa. 30:15)

  1. “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength”
    1. We can rest securely on the promises of God.
    2. God’s promises are strong anchors in life’s storms.
  2. Promises of salvation, fellowship, heaven, peace abound in the Bible.
  3. God’s promises bring strength in times of waiting  (Isa. 40:31)
  4. Do you have a promise from God that gives you strength in trembling times?

 

CONCLUSION:

 

Let’s celebrate our sources of strength.

Let’s celebrate our Savior and His salvation.

  1. Discouragement drains away our strength.
  2. Faith gives the victory, enabling us to overcome discouragement and find peace.