Nehemiah, much like ourselves was living in a desperate
time. The nation of Israel was attempting to rebuild with
enemies all around trying to destroy them while they were
rebuilding. They even had to work with a weapon at their
side. Today we would call it open carry.
The difference is, we are being destroyed on our way down.
Israel was on it's way up, we are on our way down. We could
wave at each other in passing. We are at similar dangerous
points in history. They were reestablishing their society and
our world and it's society are on it's way to hell in a hand
basket.
They needed strength and so do you and I to live in today's
world. But where do I get the strength needed to go through
each day?
I'm a very old man. I take lots of pills. But, thank God,
only one is a medicine. The others are all just supplements
to keep me healthy. The image above looks like that man
also takes vitamin B-12 too. Why not, they are supposed to
give you energy and they taste good. But is that the strength
I need to live in today's world. Of course not. Nor even the
food I eat.
Nehemiah gives us the clue as to where their
strength came from.
"... for the joy of the LORD is your strength!"
(Nehemiah 8:10 NLT)
Simple.
Start your day off by spending time with God.
Get yourself happy [joyful] in God before you go out
and face your day and your world. It will give
you strength to make it through the day.
"My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth!"
(Psalms 121:2 NLT)
"The LORD is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of Thanksgiving.
the LORD gives his people strength.
He is a safe fortress for his anointed king."
(Psalms 28:7,8 NLT)
