May 16 - When I Heard These Words.

Nehemiah 1:4
“And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,”
 
It has often been said that one phone call can change your life. Sometimes its unsettling news from a doctor or being made aware that someone you love has passed away. Maybe its news of a job promotion or of some unexpected blessing that God provided just when you needed it.
 
In Nehemiah’s case, the news he heard was devastating. He immediately sat down and wept as a result and ended up mourning for days. His sorrow caused him to fast and pray unto the God of Heaven.
 
Have you ever reacted this way to news you received?
 
The next seven verses contain Nehemiah’s prayer unto the Lord. 
 
Nehemiah 1:11
“O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.”
 
What if we went to the Lord in prayer about our current situation as Nehemiah did about his?
 
He pleaded for God to intervene not just for him, but for the children of Israel. 
He admitted his sin before Him.
He acknowledged what the Lord had said before.
He begged for the Lord to grant His people mercy.
 
If we ever needed to pray this way before, we need it today.
Our hearts are often consumed with dread, doubt and despair as we look around at our surroundings. 
 
The same God that Nehemiah served, is the One we can go to today in prayer.
He has not changed. 
He is still willing to have mercy upon His people, if only we will ask. 
 
“…when I heard these words…”
 
What is your reaction today?
May the Word of God prick our hearts today for our need of Him. 
 
 
Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 26-27   |    1 Corinthians 4