No matter how many times I have read the book of Nehemiah, God brings new truths and old reminders to apply to my life.
Only a few short verses into the book, we discover that Nehemiah was a man of faith and prayer. In fact, throughout the book, we find there are nine prayers recorded. Nehemiah knew God’s Word and lived in the assurance of God’s character. He knew God.
He also knew God’s people. He recognized that the people had disobeyed and were undeserving of God’s favor but placed his confidence in the promises of God to His people.
Upon receiving word that things were not going well for some of God’s people who had returned to Jerusalem, he had one response:
“When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:4, NLT)
He knew he needed to do something and was deeply concerned. Nehemiah prayed for days before taking action and going to the king. He prayed, he fasted, and he mourned.
Then came the decisive moment to go.
The importance and power of prayer in our lives became highlighted as I read, bringing two questions:
- Do I throw up a quick prayer and then move quickly? or
- Do I pray for days, fasting and waiting upon God?
Nehemiah had no reason to expect favor from the king. The king had not predisposed to the people before. The only reason Nehemiah could go, with expectancy, was because he had first gone before God.
Our God is great in power and mercy,
hears the prayers of His people,
sees our needs,
and acts in wisdom out of the storehouse of His unfailing love for us.
Today I am joining … #ChasingCommunity and Tune In Thursday and Salt & Light and Heart Encouragement Thursday .
Hi Joanne, I also love the book of Nehemiah. You made me stop in my tracks when you asked, “Do I throw up a quick prayer and then move quickly?” Thank you for letting God use you to remind me today!
It was God’s Word that stopped us both with that reminder 🙂 So grateful for how He does!
So often we pray only when we need something or want God to fix our lives. Prayer is more about knowing God than just getting what we want. When we’ve developed a strong communication with the Lord in good times, then it will be that relationship that sustains us through the difficulties. Thanks for your post!
Absolutely, Karen, and well said.
Thank you for these beautiful thoughts concerning Nehemiah and his heart for God and for God’s people. While my heart is so burdened today for dear ones close to my heart, these words touched me so deeply:
“Our God is great in power and mercy,
hears the prayers of His people,
sees our needs,
and acts in wisdom out of the storehouse of His unfailing love for us” Amen! –Blessings to you!
Thank you, Bettie, for sharing your heart. I am going to pray for you and your loved ones tonight. May God move in your situation. Blessings!
“The only reason Nehemiah could go, with expectancy, was because he had first gone before God.” Oh, how sweet these words, Joanne. You know, so often I long to jump right into things after a quick prayer. Maybe that’s the strong-willed side? Maybe. But it’s also dangerous. I love how Nehemiah guides us with wisdom and patience and such godliness. #heartencouragementThursday
Kristi, I so agree with you. It struck me deeply that Nehemiah prayed and fasted for days (approximately 4 months actually) before he acted. So much to learn!
Joanne, love this, friend. And Nehemiah’s one of my favorites. Love the visual picture of His “storehouses of love.” — Thank you for sharing this. ((xoxo))
He’s one of my favorites as well, Brenda. There is so much to learn from this relatively short little book. It is always good to join you!
I love that picture of Nehemiah: “Nehemiah knew God’s Word and lived in the assurance of God’s character. He knew God.”
Knowing God and standing on His Word allows us to walk in the assurance of His character. Beautiful encouragement, Joanne!
Crystal, it is amazing how much God desires for us to know Him. And amazing that He goes to such lengths to reach us. Grateful to join you, friend!