Rebuilding a Life

Did you ever think an Old Testament man could show widows a thing or two about starting over?

Nehemiah was far from home, exiled to the land of Babylon, employed as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. When he heard how Jerusalem was trampled and the walls needed to be rebuilt, his heart broke. He bravely requested leave of the king to serve his homeland.

Miraculously, King Artaxerxes granted leave to Nehemiah, and he traveled hundreds of miles to Jerusalem at great cost.

But did he receive a warm welcome when he arrived carrying building supplies? No! Enemies of Jerusalem stirred up conspiracies of jealousy and murder threats. Nehemiah's every step became complicated, every move was subject to sabotage.

Do you ever have days like that? Some widows come close when employers try to weasel out of due benefits, or relatives circle the estate like sharks. For others, health problems, bills, a washing machine overflow, car repairs, or the kids getting sassy and disrespectful are problems enough to relate to Nehemiah. Does it seem like the cares of life are cresting against you, too?

Here was Nehemiah’s solution: “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” (Neh. 4:9)

I’m reminded that whether we’re rebuilding walls, or rebuilding a life after loss, we, too, have enemies.
“Guard your hearts” says Proverbs 4:23 in agreement with Nehemiah. When you are occupied and concentrating on the good work of rebuilding, post a guard. Be alert and keep rebuilding. Draw on friends to help stand guard while you build.

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1-3

♥ ferree