Scripture to Read: Nehemiah 2:1-5
We all have had days of sadness. Sadness comes when we are broken-hearted over something or someone in our lives. Nehemiah mentions in Nehemiah 1:1 that he had never been sad in the presence of Artaxerxes. The reason Nehemiah had never been sad in the presence of the king is that in the courts of many ancient kings, it was forbidden to be sad in the presence of the king. So, when Artaxerxes questioned Nehemiah about his sadness, Nehemiah became frightened. Nehemiah could lose his life for being sad in the king’s presence because being in the king’s presence was considered so great that it should make anyone happy. Nehemiah’s response is one of respect for the king, and then he lays out his heart before the king. Nehemiah was honest and did not try to hide the burden he was carrying. We must do the same as believers. When we are burdened, we are to share our burdens with those we respect and trust. We need other prayer warriors in our corner. God had been preparing the king’s heart over the past four months as Nehemiah had been praying. The king asks Nehemiah in Nehemiah 2:4, “What would you request?” Nehemiah immediately prayed a quiet prayer to God. Just like Nehemiah, God also wants us practicing His presence in all areas of our lives at all times (Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). After praying, Nehemiah did not know what would happen but he trusted God for the outcome and shared his request with Artaxerxes.
Challenge & Application
1. What burden has God laid on your heart, and what other mature believers have you invited to join you in prayer?
2. What has God taught you about practicing His presence and trusting Him with every outcome?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!