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Nehemiah 8:10b - Joy Of The Lord Is Your Strength.

Nehemiah 8:10b:The Joy Of The Lord Is Your Strength. 

Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV) Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is 
your strength. 

INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT

The joy of the Lord is the joy that springs up in our hearts 
because of our relationship to the Lord. It is a God-given gladness 
found when we are in communion with God. [Nelson SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   Find joy in me, for I am your Strength. It is vital to keep 
your Joy alive, especially when you're in the throes of adversity. 
Whenever you are struggling with difficulties, you need to guard your 
thoughts and spoken words carefully. If you focus too much on all the 
things that are wrong, you will become increasingly discouraged - and 
your strength will be sapped. As soon as you realize what is 
happening, stop this hurtful process immediately. Turn to Me, asking Me to 
help you with all your struggles.  
   Take time to praise Me: Speak or sing words of worship. Read 
scriptures that help you rejoice in Me.  
   Remember that your problems are temporary but I am eternal - 
and so is your relationship with Me. As you find Joy in Me, 
delighting in My unfailing Love for you, your strength will increase. This 
is the Joy of the Lord, which is yours for all time and throughout 
eternity! (Neh. 8:10; Psa. 66:1-3; 143:8) [Jesus Always by Sarah Young] 

COMMENTARY

   After hearing the Book of the Law, the Israelites wept 
because they realized how far they had strayed from God. Instead of 
chastising them further, Nehemiah gave them hope. This was not a sad day; 
this was a holy day to celebrate. God was working in their hearts. 
"Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" 
 
   We can learn a few important lessons from this Old Testament 
scene: (1) God's Word is powerful and helps us see ourselves as we 
really are"sinners who need to turn from our sin back to God. (2) 
Seeing ourselves as we really are is pretty depressing at times. We 
often can feel like failures. No joy there. (3) God never leaves us in 
our guilt and shame! Once we have turned back to him, he forgives 
and restores our relationship with him.  
   God's love and forgiveness are great cause for joy. At times 
in your Christian life, you will stray from God. During those 
times, turn to the Lord and tell him you're sorry. Then wipe your eyes 
and be joyful. God has work for you to do! The joy of the Lord is 
your strength! [The One Year Bible for New Believers re Neh. 8:9-11] 

The powerful exposition of the Word of God can bring deep 
conviction of sin. But repentance must not degenerate into a self-centered 
remorse but must issue into joy in Gods forgiving goodness (cf. 2 Cor 
2:5-11). [Expositors Bible Commentary] 

The people wept openly when they heard God's laws and realized 
how far they were from obeying them. But Ezra told them they should 
be filled with joy because the day was holy. It was time to 
celebrate and to give gifts to those in need. Celebration is not to be 
self-centered. Ezra connected celebration with giving. This gave those in need 
an opportunity to celebrate as well. Often when we celebrate and 
give to others, we are strengthened spiritually and filled with joy. 
Enter into celebrations that honor God, and allow him to fill you with 
his joy.  [Life Application SB] 

ILLUSTRATIONS

   Handel's masterpiece, The Messiah, has inspired millions 
through the centuries. Few know, however, that George Frederick Handel 
composed The Messiah in approximately three weeks. The music literally 
came to him in a flurry of notes and motifs. He composed feverishly, 
as if driven by the unseen Composer. It is also little known that 
Handel composed the work while his eyesight was failing or that he was 
facing the threat of debtor's prison because of outstanding bills. Most 
people find it difficult to create under stress, especially when 
physical or financial problems are the root of that stress. And yet, 
Handel did. 
   He credits the completion of the work to one thing: joy. He 
was quoted as saying that he felt as if his heart would burst with 
joy at what he was hearing in his mind and heart. It was joy that 
compelled him to write, forced him to create, and ultimately found 
expression in the "Hallelujah Chorus." 
   Handel lived to see his oratorio become a cherished 
tradition. He was especially pleased to see it performed to raise money for 
benevolent causes. 
   When joy is present, Jesus Christ is expressed. [God's Little 
Devotional Bible] 

   Mother Teresa advised, "The best way to show our gratitude to 
God is to accept everything with joy. Never let everything so fill 
you with sorrow that you forget the joy of Christ risen."  
   She instructed others as if joy were a matter of the will - 
and she was very practical about it. "Being happy in Jesus means 
loving as he loves, helping as he helps, giving as he gives, serving as 
he serves, rescuing as he rescues, being with him twenty-four 
hours, touching him in his distressing disguise."  
   Jesus' "distressing disguise" - a phrase Mother Teresa often 
used - describes people who are wretched and abandoned, and perhaps 
obnoxious.  
   Does all this sound grim and not happy at all? Here's what 
Malcolm Muggeridge said of Mother Teresa and her sisters:  
   Their life is tough and austere, yet I never met such 
delightful, happy women, or such an atmosphere of joy as they create.  
   Mother Teresa, as she is fond of explaining, attaches the 
utmost importance to this joyousness. The poor, she says, deserve not 
just service and dedication, but also the joy that belongs to human 
love. This is what the sisters give them abundantly.  
   Andrew Greeley had a similar reaction to meeting Mother 
Teresa: "She was the happiest human being I ever met."  
   Mother Teresa herself said, "Cheerfulness is indeed the fruit 
of the Holy Spirit and a clear sign of the Kingdom within."  
   She was determined to be happy in the Lord despite feelings 
of emptiness - a paradox worth contemplating. She warns against 
being preoccupied with the future. "There's no reason to do so," she 
writes. "God is there."  
   She also warned against the longing for money that can bring 
endless "needs" and dissatisfaction. In this regard, she was far beyond 
most of us. "Poverty makes us free," she said to her sisters. "That 
is why we can joke and smile and keep a happy heart for Jesus."  
   Father, please enable me to experience the joy you offer. 
Help me to act and think in ways that generate your cheerfulness - in 
step with your Holy Spirit, no matter what my feelings might be.  
   Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your 
strength! Nehemiah 8:10, NLT [The One Year Book of Encouragement by Harold 
Myra] 

   The greenest grass is found wherever the most rain falls. So 
I suppose it is the fog and mist of Ireland that makes it "the 
Emerald Isle." And wherever you find the widespread fog of trouble and 
the mist of sorrow, you always find emerald green hearts that are 
full of the beautiful foliage of the comfort and love of God. 
   Dear Christian, do not say, Where are all the swallows? 
They are all gone-they are dead." No, they are not dead. They have 
simply skimmed across the deep, blue sea, flying to a faraway land; but 
they will be back again soon. 
   Child of God, do not say, All the flowers are dead-the 
winter has killed them, so they are gone." No! Although the winter has 
covered them with a white coat of snow, they will push up their heads 
again and will be alive very soon. 
   O believer, do not say that the sun has burned out, just 
because a cloud has hidden it. No, it is still there, planning a summer 
for you; for when it shines again, it will have caused those clouds 
to have dropped their April showers, each of them a mother to a 
sweet mayflower. 
   Above all, remember - when God hides His face from you, do 
not say that He has forgotten you. He is simply waiting for a little 
while to make you love Him more. And once He comes, you will rejoice 
with the inexpressible "joy of the Lord" (Neh. 8:10). Waiting on Him 
exercises your gift of grace and tests your faith. Therefore continue to 
wait in hope, for although the promise may linger, it will never come 
too late. Charles H. Spurgeon [Streams In The Desert By Cowman] 

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

   Trust Me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and 
Song. Think what it means to have Me as your Strength. I spoke the 
universe into existence: My Power is absolutely unlimited! Human 
weakness, consecrated to Me, is like a magnet, drawing My Power into your 
neediness. However, fear can block the flow of My Strength into you. 
Instead of trying to fight your fears, concentrate on trusting Me. When 
you relate to Me in confident trust, there is no limit to how much I 
can strengthen you. 
   Remember that I am also your Song. I want you to share My 
Joy, living in conscious awareness of My Presence. Rejoice as we 
journey together toward heaven: join Me in singing My Song. (Isa. 12:2, 
3; Psa. 21:6) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] 

   I am your strength and shield. I plan out each day and have 
it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide 
the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing 
your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, 
concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My Power flows freely into you 
through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you 
will have strength to spare. 
   Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your 
Shield. But unlike inanimate armor. I am always alert and active. My 
Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and 
unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare which is the best 
security system available. I am with you and Ill watch over you 
wherever you go. (Psa. 28:7; Mat. 6:34; Psa. 56:3, 4; Gen. 28:15) [Jesus 
Calling by Sarah Young] 

   Let Me fill you with My joy and peace. They flow into you as 
you sit quietly in My Presence, trusting Me in the depths of your 
being. These blessings are essential for nourishing your soul. The Joy 
of the Lord is your strength, so don't neglect this delightful 
gift. It is for all times and all circumstances, though sometimes you 
have to search for it. You also need My Peace at all times, and I 
bestow it on you freely as you trust in Me.  
   Remember that I am the God of hope. The hope I offer is not 
wishful thinking. It is absolutely certain, even though it refers to 
things not yet fully realized. It is utterly secure because I Myself 
obtained it through My finished work on the cross. This hope is the 
foundation of the Joy and Peace you find in Me. No matter how hard your 
life may be at this time, you have full assurance that endless 
delight awaits you in heaven, where I have prepared a place for you. As 
you ponder this glorious truth, you can enjoy hope that overflows by 
the Power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:13; Neh. 8:10; John 14:2, 3) 
[Jesus Today by Sarah Young] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

   Remember that prayer is the source of your strength. A worker 
cannot gain success while he hurries through his prayers and rushes 
away to look after something that he fears may be neglected or 
forgotten. He gives only a few hurried thoughts to God; he does not take 
time to think, to pray, to wait upon the Lord for a renewal of 
physical and spiritual strength. He soon becomes weary. He does not feel 
the uplifting, inspiring influence of God's Spirit. He is not 
quickened by fresh life. His jaded frame and tired brain are not soothed 
by personal contact with Christ.   
   "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall 
strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." "It is good that a man 
should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord." Psalm 
27:14; Lamentations 3:26. There are those who work all day and far into 
the night to do what seems to them must be done. The Lord looks 
pityingly upon these weary, heavy-laden burden bearers and says to them: 
"Come unto Me,  and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. [7T 243] 

EXCELLENT SERMON ON THIS PASSAGE BY PASTOR IVAN BLAKE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7G6mKKvNug&feature=youtu.be

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782

Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE

Musical Devotional On Christian Living: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c  

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/

ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657