July 7th | Nehemiah 2

Growing up my family would go on vacation and it was always hectic trying to get out the door. We would be carrying suitcases, pillows, blankets. We would be remembering all the last minute items and running back and forth between the house and the van. Yet, once we finally were packed, we gathered in the house, held hands, and prayed. We prayed that God would go before us and protect us as we traveled. That simple act of seeking God before setting off on our journey has stuck with me. It is a reminder that we should take time to stop and pray because it is God who will protect, provide, and make straight our paths. 

Nehemiah new this truth. In chapter 1 of Nehemiah, he weeps because the walls of Jerusalem are in shambles. His heritage and his family’s legacy for the nation of Israel has been destroyed and in ruins for years. In chapter 2 we learn that Nehemiah is a cupbearer for the king of Persia. The king notices Nehemiah’s sadness over Israel’s destruction and inquires of Nehemiah what he can do. 

Nehemiah 2:3-4, “3 I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?”

Nehemiah has an audience with the king. He can request help from the king to rebuild and restore Israel to it’s former glory. Yet, should he be bold enough to ask? I am sure Nehemiah was concerned the king would dismiss such a request. But Nehemiah does something incredible before he asks for the king’s assistance. He prays. 

Nehemiah 2:-4-5, “4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.”

It is such a small note in the Scritptures. We don’t know if Nehemiah prayed out loud, if he left for an hour to pray, or if he prayed for 5 seconds. But one thing is clear, before he asked the earthly king for assistance, he went to the heavenly king. 

See, Nehemiah realized the king of the universe could accomplish much more than the king of Persia. For you and me, we should remember this as well. Before we ask others or seek to work for ourselves, we should be quick to gain an audience with the king of heaven. He is mighty and able to meet our needs! 

The king obliges and gives Nehemiah everything he needs. Yet the Scriptures are clear that the king of earth is only acting under the direction of the king of heaven. 

Nehemiah 2:8, “And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.” 

Before you embark on your day or seek help from others, seek the king of heaven to meet your every need.