Today we get the first look at the prophet Nehemiah. When Nehemiah heard of the fall of the wall of Jerusalem and the trouble of the people who survived the exile, he went straight to prayer and asked God for forgiveness for the sins of the people and for his own sins. I love how Nehemiah incorporates this old texts of Leviticus and Deutoronomy into his prayer, holding God to His promise of forgiveness for those who repent.
The news of the wall instilled fear into Nehemiah’s heart, and he felt obligated to pray for forgiveness. I want to feel that convicted as well when I think of my own sin and the fear of God’s wrath, because right now, the fear hasn’t reached from my head to my heart yet.
I also want to respond to my sins with haste, as this is what Nehemiah did in today’s passage: He immediately fell and prayed to God. Whenever I sin and pray for forgiveness, it’s usually quite delayed and not always the most sincere. I want to be more proactive with my prayer and repentance.
Thankfulness:
• CGC sg
• FCA this morning
• Tests went well
• Sports
• Sleep (finally took a nap)