2 NOV 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact for days, I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.” Neh. 1: 2, 4
Have you ever been in trouble? What was the first thing you did when you realized it? I know as a kid I would get this knot in my stomach and fear would wash over me from head to toe. My mind would work overtime because of the fear of the unknown. I would scenario all the possible outcomes and wear myself out emotionally and mentally.
As I grew older, I developed a relationship with the Lord and better understood the process of dealing with problems and trouble. In our passage today, Nehemiah gave us a great way to start dealing with problems both his and others. He listened to what the problem was and determined if it was his or someone else’s. That can save you some pain! In this case, he owned his wrong which added to the greater problem of the nation as a whole.
To take responsibility for your actions and own it, is a sign of maturity and integrity. To blame others is our human nature and is not the way. Nehemiah, then began to mourn over his sin, the nation’s sin, and the condition of their homeland. He then fasted for days because he was truly sorry for what the Jews had done against God and the result was a broken nation. He was humbled before God and then he prayed. Read his prayer again and you will see a great pattern for prayer.
He began by speaking words of adoration and acknowledging God’s goodness in loving Israel despite her disobedience and unfaithfulness to their relationship. He then confessed his sins and the nation’s sins. He asked for forgiveness and committed himself and the nation to God’s commands and covenant. He pleaded for God to honor his name and give Nehemiah favor with the King to fulfill his plan to restore Jerusalem. So when you are in trouble look to what Nehemiah did and go to God directly.
What do you do when you are in trouble?
Reading Plan: Psalm 50; Neh. 1:1-11; Rev. 5:11-6:11; Matt. 13:18-23
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