“Hear, O our God …” (Nehemiah 4:4)
What would you do if you everything from
your homeland had been destroyed and the only remembrance of your bustling and
vibrant nation were ruins and broken down dreams? All the commerce, all the buildings, all the
culture, all the accomplishments that had defined your society had become
simply dusty memories amidst the rubble of all that once was. A few poor souls were left to fend for themselves
tending to small plots from the neglected and overgrown fields and vineyards. Where the wine and crops had once produced
hope and the continued promise of life for a nation ... the now meager results were
mired in dusty desperation and hopelessness.
Furthermore, most of the people from the land were now frustrated and
saddened exiles in a foreign place longing to return to their homes.
You are sensing the feelings of Nehemiah from the Old Testament. The thought of his homeland in such a state
made him incredibly and noticeably sad. In desperation, he prayed to God to remember His
people, now humbled and repentant. Nehemiah
is remembered as a great leader and builder who restored a great city and the hope
of his people. Yet in his arduous roles involving leading a people and rebuilding a city in ruins, one element is consistent
and constant throughout his service to his people. He prays.
He prays a simple prayer for help in a
desperate place of desiring to help his nation. He prays for assistance from
others. He prays for safety in the midst
of rebuilding. He prays for strength
against his enemies. He prays as he is mocked
as leads in the restoration of the great city of Jerusalem. He prays for
guidance. He prays as he leads by his courage and generosity. He prays in midst of fear and discouragement
in the massive work to build up the wall of the city from the ruins and rubble. He prays and he prays.
Nehemiah’s prayers were not formulas or
rituals but simple prayers from his heart, appealing for God to come and protect,
redeem, strengthen, provide and bless him in his service. Nehemiah knew nothing
could be done without help from his Almighty God. When
we like Nehemiah, find ourselves in desperate places ... hopeless amidst the
rubble of broken down dreams, all we need, are simple prayers as well. When we need help, strength, guidance, safety
and steadiness … we need to pray. Amazing and powerful things happens as Nehemiah’s prayed his simple prayers. God provided and
blessed his work and the people. We pray to the same God. He will provide, protect, restore and bless us when we go to Him with our
simple prayers. We just need to pray.
“Then the king said to me, “What are you
requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 2:4, ESV)
Suggested Readings … The Prayers of
Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4—11; 2:4; 4:4, 9, 5:19; 6:19; 14:13-14)
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