Praising God in our Accomplishments

Nehemiah 12

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And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps...43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

Nehemiah 12:27, 43

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When we think about humility, we often think of quiet people who do not bring attention to themselves. While a humble person doesn't make life all about them, it doesn't mean that they go through life unseen. Paul did not live his life for himself, yet he was seen everywhere he went, and receive a lot of attention; including a lot of unwanted attention. Humility has more to do with our hearts than an outward expression. If you think about it, if you are constantly working for people to see you as humble, then are you still making life all about you. C.S. Lewis said, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less".

So, is it ok for humble people to celebrate accomplishments? Well, it depends on how they celebrate. Our text today shows a great example of how to humbly celebrate a great accomplishment.

We read in verse 27 that they were dedicating the wall to the Lord. Not only was this a massive accomplishment because of the scale of the work, but also because of the excellence in how the work had been accomplished. They had built with a hammer in one hand and a sword in the other. Not only this, but they built the wall with lightning speed. They had built this massive wall in 52 days. This was in spite of opposition. That was something to celebrate. Also, the city was not protected from enemies. That is certainly worth celebrating.

Verse 43 tells us that they offered sacrifices and rejoiced. From the point Nehemiah wrote that first "rejoiced" in verse 43, "rejoicing" because the focus of the text. The people were excited. They were exuberant! This was a great accomplishment and Nehemiah said that "God had made them rejoice with great joy". This was not pride or arrogance. They rejoiced because God had filled their hearts with job.

If you have ever led someone to Christ (Salvation), you understand this joy. It is such an exciting thing to be a part of. You know that you did not save them. You know that all you did was tell of God's plan and God's work. Yet you are humbled and rejoice that God allowed you to be a part of this experience. He allowed you to build something for his glory. So, just like the people of Nehemiah's day, you rejoice!

We also see that "the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off" (v. 43). Everyone took part in the rejoicing. It wasn't limited to just the builders. This was a cause for joy for everyone. Going back to our example of leading someone to Christ, the whole church should rejoice over someone being saved. Jesus said, "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:10).

While we often talk about building when we discuss the book of Nehemiah, there are many other things to think on as well. One of those things is the importance of rejoicing. God made us to rejoice. We rejoice in the fact that he allows us to build, that he allows us to see works completed, and that He is a good and gracious God. We rejoice in Him! So rejoice!

Father help me to rejoice in you. I pray that the world would see me as a person of joy because that joy comes from you. I pray that my life would be filled with reasons to rejoice because I am faithful to you work. However, even if I do not see accomplishments, may I rejoice in you and what you have done for me!