Hi friends thanks for reading my blog today, and thanks for journeying with me as I study the book of Nehemiah. I look forward to all that God will teach us.
As I have read through the book of Nehemiah — especially Chapter 1, I immediately notice Nehemiah’s willingness to pray and cry out to the Lord. In the first chapter Nehemiah finds out the devastating news that the wall of Jerusalem has been destroyed and He is devastated. Immediately after this, where does He turn first? He begins to pray and repent of his people’s sins and he cries out to the Lord to have mercy on His people. He has a repentant heart, and in his distress focuses his gaze on Christ. Nehemiah repents for his people and then asked the Lord to show him mercy in the sight of the king(1:6-11).
Following this, we find that God grants Nehemiah his request. The King listens to Nehemiah and supports his mission to leave and go help rebuild the wall for his people. However, for us, an important truth we should take away from this passage is Who Nehemiah Nehemiah consulted with first. Not friends. Not Family. He went straight to God when he was in despair.
As believers, God should always be who we turn to first — in hardship, as well as in our joys. So often though, He is the last resort.
God is our Heavenly Father, and He is a jealous God. He delights in communion with us and desires for us to come to Him with everything. He is always ready to listen, forgive, and give the guidance we need.
For the theme of this series, I will often use the phrase, “Guarding your gates!” Throughout the book, Nehemiah and his men rebuild the gates of the city that were destroyed. These city gates brought a sense of protection to the people living there. In the same way, we need to put certain things in place to guard and protect ourselves, and our minds.
One way to do this actively is by praying. One of the best ways to guard ourselves daily is by taking everything to God in prayer. Recently, this has been such a good reminder for me. Lately, I have been overwhelmed and anxious regarding my health, but then I read Nehemiah and am reminded to pray and give my health and anxiety over to God. By doing this, my situation may not immediately change. However, by praying and guarding myself in this way, I am able to continue on with my day carried by the strength of Jesus.
At some point today take some time away to spend talking with the Lord, even if it is just for a few minutes. Your time with Him can change the outlook of an entire day. Instead of calling your friend and sharing your latest work drama, call out to God instead.
The same God who Nehemiah prayed and trusted can also help you, you just have to let Him in.
Have a blessed Thursday wherever you may be, and know that I am praying that God will grow and sustain you during this season.
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