Nehemiah 6:9
‘For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, “They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.” But now, God, strengthen my hands.’
Nehemiah is doing a great work. Israel had been taken captive to Babylon. Their city was destroyed along with the Temple. They had been exiled for 70 years. They had learned their lesson and God brought them back. Here they are back in the land God had promised to them. Unfortunately the wall had been knocked down. They had been rebuilding it. The wall is done, but the gates aren’t, so they are still vulnerable. The powers that be in the land are trying to stop them. Up till now they haven’t been successful. They are spreading rumors trying to intimidate them.
Nehemiah prays for God to strengthen his hands. He needs God. He knows it, thus, he prays. Are we aware that we also need God and His strength? We do. Desperately! I’ve been a christian for 46 years. I’ve heard the sermon on the mount many times. However, it’s really hit home the last five years. Paramount among the beatitudes is “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God”. It’s always mystified me. What it means is that without God we are nothing. I get that now, but I used to have a problem with that. Yes, God has created us to be capable. But we can’t save ourselves. Jesus had to do that. At it’s sum, we need His help. We are impoverished in spirit. We need Him.
When we rely on Him, He makes us rich. We make an alliance with Him. We become heirs of God. Amazing. Nehemiah knew this. He was a very accomplished man. He learned early on it was because of God.
What a wonderful thing to depend on God. We will fear for nothing. We will be equipped for anything He wants us to do. We will come across difficult paths, but we don’t have to fear. He will be with us. Thank You, Lord.
Just like Nehemiah we need to pray. James 4:2c says, “You do not have, because you do not ask.” Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” God wants to partner with us. Just ask. It becomes a lifestyle. Better yet, a relationship.
Jesus describes our relationship to Him in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” The deeper this sinks in the better things will be. Praying to Him and depending on Him becomes as natural as breathing.
Lord, thank You for being there for us. Thank You that You died for us to redeem us and have this wonderful dependent relationship with You.