Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 1:1-11, Psalm 137:1-9, Matthew 23:37-39
A few winters ago, the pipes burst in my in-laws’ home while they were out of town. My husband and I drove over to take photos and give them an idea of how bad the damage was. As we tentatively opened the front door, we pushed aside soggy clumps of insulation, chunks of dry wall, and even decor that had been flung by the rushing water. To say that their home was destroyed would be an understatement (fun fact: ceilings are NOT supposed to be on the floor). At one point in our very careful survey of the wreckage, we simply paused to take in the scene. Wet furniture was already molding. Paint bubbled and peeled from the walls. Pieces of debris littered the ground. This once warm, welcoming, and lovely home was absolutely destroyed. And standing in those chaotic remains, I had no idea how to even begin restoring all that was lost.
I imagine Nehemiah having a similar experience on his night ride around the demolished walls of Jerusalem. About seventy years had passed since Jerusalem was destroyed and God’s people were exiled. What had once been the home of God’s people—a place where they interacted with neighbors, shared meals, and simply lived out regular days—was now an unprotected pile of rubble. How was Nehemiah going to take this broken place and make it what it once was?
Thankfully, Nehemiah wasn’t the one who had to answer that question. The book of Nehemiah tells us exactly how God rebuilt both the walls of Jerusalem and the spiritual identity of His people. In the middle of the very real opposition and injustice in this story, there is a God of great patience, comfort, and hope. The Lord strengthened His people for the work they needed to do in order to restore their physical home. When they failed to live up to their spiritual calling as His chosen nation, God did not abandon them, and instead called them back to His law and its wisdom. God upheld His covenant promise to be faithful to them even when they could not do the same in return.
As we read the book of Nehemiah, we will dig deep to see how the struggles and experiences of God’s people resonate in our own lives. We will turn our hearts to the God of Nehemiah, the same God who steadfastly restores us when we repent from sin and return to Him. And we will give thanks to the Lord that, in Christ, He has provided all we need to find our sure, safe, and unshakeable home in Him.
Written by Kayla De La Torre
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9 thoughts on "Nehemiah’s Prayer"
“Let your eyes be open and ears be attentive”
These words were spoken from Nehemiah to the Lord, but they are also something that could be good for us to think about. We need to open our eyes and ears to the Lord and be aware of what He is asking of us.
Thank you God for being faithful even when I can not be.
Excited to go through the book of Nehemiah!
We are finally signing off on plans today (we had to take a chunk out of our island for it to fit with the stairs, but I think it will be fine). We will send it to the engineer and then I hope it won’t be too long before they begin building.
Had a great Sunday at church yesterday. 1 new family and 1 new couple visiting. I hope they continue to come back to our little church plant here.
My son woke us up with pain early in the morning. We were afraid it was appendicitis. I called a nurse and she told us to wait on coming in. Glad for that as the pain finally subsided after 2 hours. He still has a little feeling in that area from time to time but the pain is gone. I hope God really did heal him and that it doesn’t develop into something.
Let us repent and allow Him to gather us under His wings.
I am so grateful that my God is faithful even when I am not.
Lord, forgive me for my unfaithfulness. Convict me when I am wrong. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me so that I will do Your will.
“Have thine own way Lord. Have thine own way. Thou art the potter, I am the clay…”
Blessed Monday dear Sisters!
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Amen! Thank you for sharing that prayer – it was helpful for me to know how to pray this morning.
“In the middle of the very real opposition and injustice in this story, there is a God of great patience, comfort, and hope. The Lord strengthened His people for the work needed to restore their physical home. When they failed to live up to their spiritual calling as His chosen nation, God did not abandon them and instead called them back to His law and its wisdom. God upheld His covenant promise to be faithful to them even when they could not do the same in return.”
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May the LORD strengthen His people today for the restoration work to be done in our communities. May we seek His face in every decision and trust Him above all else.
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I am looking forward to reading all of your great insights and comments! ❤
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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