When It’s Not What It’s Supposed To Be [Nehemiah 1:1-11]
Once Nehemiah heard the condition of God’s people, his brokenness led him to prayer. When our circumstances are not what they are supposed to be, do we approach God for His help?
KEY IDEA
Transformation in our life and the life of God’s people starts with a broken heart that cries out to God.
THE BACKGROUND
Nehemiah was a royal servant, son of Hacaliah and a cupbearer of the king. 1:1, 11)
The people of God had experienced God’s purifying judgement. (1:1-2)
God prompted Nehemiah to inquire about the status of Jerusalem and the remnant of God’s people who still lived there. (1:2)
He is brokenhearted to hear of their great trouble and disgrace, including the status of the its walls and gates. (1:3)
This moves him to despair and heartache that prompts a response of mourning, fasting and prayer to the only One who can do something about the state of the city and that is the God of the heavens. (1:4)
THE PETITION
The prayer recognizes God’s power and provision. (1:5)
It calls on God to heed Nehemiah’s prayer, and acknowledges the sinfulness of the people. He agrees with God that they have not kept the commands God had given them. (1:6-7)
The prayer reminds God of His own words and asks Him to honor those words. (1:8-9)
It pleads with God because these people belong to Him and have demonstrated His work upon their lives. (1:10)
It calls upon God to acknowledge those who delight in Him and desire to revere His Name. (1:11
It asks Him for courage, success and compassion in approaching the king with a personal request, aimed at serving God and helping His people. (1:11)
THE LESSONS FOR YOU AND ME
Our hearts should break when God’s people lie in need and hardship. (1:4)
Our prayers should reflect upon the nature of God more than the desires of our heart. (1:5, 10)
Leadership owns responsibility for the conduct of God’s people. (1:6-7)
Powerful prayer calls on God to act in accord with the honor due His Name. (1:11)
Prayer leads to bold action on our part, based upon our faith and confidence in the God we have petitioned (1:11).