Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Please remember what you commanded your servant Moses: If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples. But if you return to me and carefully observe my commands, even though your exiles were banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I chose to have my name dwell. They are your servants and your people. You redeemed them by your great power and strong hand. Please, Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to that of your servants who delight to revere your name. Give your servant success today and grant him compassion in the presence of this man. Nehemiah 1:8-11
Trusting In A God You Know
Nehemiah learns that his people who have returned from exile to Jerusalem in Judah are in a terrible state and that the city lies in ruins. Upon learning all of this, he turns to God immediately to pour out His heart before Him. He prayed and fasted for several days before he went before the King. He spent a lot of time before the Lord pouring out his heart and pleading with God for mercy and favor and the right words to say.
Nehemiah knew the goodness of God and the sinfulness of man. He was a righteous man whom God used to bring relief to His people, yet he acknowledged his family’s part in the sins against God that brought about the destruction of Judah. He humbled himself in prayer, weeping, and fasting before the Lord, and did not approach God in self-righteousness or with an attitude of entitlement.
He pleads for God to hear His prayers and answer, remembering the promises God made to His people long ago. He requests God’s favor and success with the king in order to help his people and the place where they live, and God answers that prayer. He used Nehemiah to help Jerusalem rebuild.
Nehemiah knew and believed in God’s Promises for his people. Even though we are sinful and undeserving, we are still God’s children, and He has promised to bless us. We are welcomed to come before him with our petitions, knowing that he keeps his promises. Satan would have us believe that we are defeated and hopeless before we ask for direction or help from God. Like Nehemiah, when we experience trials, heartaches, anxiety and stress, all we need to do is turn to God in prayer. We can come to Him with thankful hearts, acknowledging all that He has done for us and through us.
Nehemiah had a relationship with God and knew God’s love, His covenant with His people, and His mercy. He knew that God is a loving, faithful, and compassionate Heavenly Father who keeps his promises.
Nehemiah’s relationship with God was the anchor in his life. Because he had a relationship with God, he knew who God was. His faith in God is what helped him help the people in Jerusalem rebuild. When we have a relationship with God and are in communion with him, we will catch the vision he gives us.
What is the first thing you do when something falls apart in your life? Do you go to your knees in prayer first? For many, the first response may include weeping and mourning but the praying comes as a last resort after we have tried to solve the problems in our own strength. Remember the attributes of God. Remember his faithfulness and what he has done in your life. Remember his promises and goodness. Let him be the first place you go every time.
