Quiet Time
Nehemiah 2:1-8
Nehemiah had dared to come before King Artaxerxes with great
sadness of countenance – a clear violation of Persian law. These kings despised having their levity
disturbed. To appear in his presence
this way was a punishable offense. When Artaxerxes asked the reason for his
sadness, Nehemiah replied that the gates of Jerusalem “lay in ruins”
(ESV). The king probed further and asked
Nehemiah what it was that he wanted. Before saying anything to the King, he
sought the LORD. It may have been one of
those desperation prayers – a quickly breathed out prayer for those who find
themselves in desperate straits, but regardless of the nature of the prayer is
it to be noted that Nehemiah sought God first and then made His request to the
king. At that point he brought his request to the king – with deep respect and
not worship. He had already sought and worshiped
the One who could make it possible. King
Artaxerxes was merely a pawn in the hands of God; Go would direct the next
moves as He saw fit. He was given
permission to return to Jerusalem. He
may have thanked the king, but he knew were the credit was due for this turn of
events. He looked Heavenward and noted “the
good hand of God was upon me” (ESV, vs. 8).
So what does this teach me about God: God is in control, not earthly rulers
About prayer: It is appropriate, even essential, to pray to
God when we are in desperate straits. God is working on our behalf.
My response: I should
seek God before moving forward with any plan.
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