INTRODUCTION

The Lord is the strength of His people. In the prophecy concerning Joseph, the hands of the Lord are said to have made the hands of Joseph strong (Genesis 49:24But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
See All...). Joseph was hated and persecuted, but the Lord was his helper. This theme was not limited to the life of Joseph, but was a constant testimony amongst the people of God. The mighty king David understood his need for the Lord and declared it with statements like, "God is my strength and power" (2 Samuel 22:33God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
See All...), "the LORD is my strength and my shield" (Psalm 28:7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
See All...), and "thou art my strength" (Psalm 31:4Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
See All...). The brave cupbearer and leader Nehemiah prayed, "O God, strengthen my hands" (Nehemiah 6:9For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Read the prayer and praise of others who knew God was their strength: 1 Chronicles 29:12Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
  See All...; Psalm 46:1-3 [1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; [3] Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
  See All...; Psalm 71:18Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
  See All...; 2 Timothy 4:16-17 [16] At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. [17] Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
  See All.... What can you learn from their statements of praise?
• What does it say for your need for God’s strength when Joseph, David, and Nehemiah all required God’s help? How did Nehemiah seek the Lord for such help?
• Genesis 49:24But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  See All... seems to indicate that Joseph did what he could do before the Lord added the necessary strength. What practical lessons could you learn from this truth?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to strengthen your hands.
• Ask God to show you your need for His strength.

HYMN

How Firm a Foundation

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