March 06, 2020

BIBLE READING: Nehemiah 2:1-8

“Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.”
‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭2:4‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
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After the prayer in chapter 1, Nehemiah is brought before the King to help in a feast. Back in the day of the Persian Empire, it was offensive to be sad in front of the King. His burden for his people had troubled him so much that it even affected him at his job. With these verses, we see God do something great. Maybe it was the testimony of the Jewish servants or Nehemiah, but the King was concerned for Nehemiah. As Nehemiah shares the burden in Jerusalem, something miraculous happens. Verse four shows a request of the King’s services. The Bible doesn’t say, but Nehemiah may have been an influence to the King, but ultimately, we can be reminded all are in control of God, even a King. Proverbs‬ ‭21:1‬ says “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” We can be overwhelmed by obstacles, but no matter who or what it is God is still in control it. The key in these verses today is verse 4. Nehemiah briefly asks for God’s wisdom. God quickly opened the door for Nehemiah to have full access to be a Governor and project manager of the construction of a wall around Israel. This only could have happened because of God. What I find interesting is Nehemiah seeking God for wisdom. This could be applied to us to have a everyday attitude of prayer. “Pray without ceasing.”1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭This is a constant awareness of a need and reliance on Him. I love the promise that in time of need or even opportunity, God is there to give guidance and wisdom for help and for His will. This promise is given in James1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
‭Christian, how are you relying on God’s wisdom and guidance today?‬‬‬‬

David Fulp II