SUMMARY: Troubled city
OVERVIEW: Nehemiah learns of Jerusalem’s unfortified condition and cries out to God for help.
BIG IDEA: Pray before planning or when you feel like panicking.
KEY VERSE: Nehemiah 1:4 (Nehemiah’s response to the news)
When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
My arms are always open to you, even if you turn from me. And if you never leave me but are challenged or overcome by life’s circumstances, I am always with you. Don’t let broken down walls, failed projects, or challenging relationships defeat you. Turn to me. I am powerful, generous, and awesome. I have all that you will ever need, and I faithfully keep my covenant of love. My eyes are open to all you are experiencing, and my ears are ready to hear from you.
Never think that I will ignore you or discard you. If you turn to me and want to be in a relationship, I will always be by your side. Continue to delight in me. Find pleasure in seeking me and obeying my word. I will give you success, but you must trust me. There may be times you question my actions, but I am always at work in your life and those around you. Pray to me, trust me, and take delight in our relationship.
NEXT STEP
Pray first. Feel overwhelmed or concerned or confused? Stop and pray and remind yourself who God is. Just as Nehemiah reviewed the promises of God, what are some of God’s promises that you can review and reflect upon? (If you don’t know any Google “God’s promises.”
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