Fear can distract us from a life of faith.
In my morning Bible study I have been reading about Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, the city with a temple for God’s presence.
The Jews had enemies that did not want them to rebuild the walls. At first these enemies jeered and mocked them. When that didn’t stop the work on the wall, the enemy made a plan to attack.
But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were angry. And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. Nehemiah 4:7-8
Nehemiah prayed.
And we prayed to our God and set a guard of protection against them day and night. Nehemiah 4:9
Some of the people let fear take hold of them.
In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” Nehemiah 4:10
Nehemiah responded with a plan to guard every section of the wall as they rebuilt it. With prayer and dependence on God, with a strategic plan, the work continued.
As I mused on this text I thought about the way fear can be a controlling force. How is the cloud of fear surrounding the pandemic affecting me?
I can follow Nehemiah’s example of prayer. Nehemiah also had a practical plan, and then he stayed focused on the work God had called him to do.
More and more I have recognized my need for God’s wisdom. The time I spend in prayer is growing. My family has decisions to make regarding my mother’s care in the nursing home. The lockdown, the inability to visit is hard.
We are encouraged to pray. Jesus is ready to intercede for us.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
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Prayer….such a gift!
I love the story of Nehemiah. I love his faithfulness. I love his attention to prayer and seeking God first.
Thank you for the reminder of Nehemiah’s example, his practicality and plan, and his focus on carrying it out.
Deborah, thanks for visiting. Have a blessed weekend.
Thank you for reminding us that we should do as Nehemiah did. We must pray, “set a guard of protection,” and continue the work we’ve been called to do. Blessings to you and yours, Carol.
Alice, thanks for visiting. I am so thankful for the example that Ezra and Nehemiah provide, especially their prayers. Have a blessed weekend!
This is how I banish fear
from the home it wants inside my head;
I have another can of beer,
and figure I’m already dead.
Last night was the very worst,
pain that said I could not move,
some thought I might have cried and cursed,
but I am just buildin’ my groove
to laugh at Satan’s every jest,
for that is what they are,
and in my mirth I’ll be the best,
and reach for my North Star,
the Guiding Hand the devil feared,
the God with laughter in His Beard.
Amen to God’s guiding hand. Praying that God gives you comfort and peace.