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A MIND TO WORK AND PRAY (I)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22
Nehemiah 4:1-6

Psalm 69:1-14

 

“My prayer is unto thee, O LORD,

in an acceptable time.”

 

A MIND TO WORK AND PRAY (I)
 
The certainty of challenges and opposition to the work of God is not reason for any to fear Christian service. It is reason for all to approach service with care and prayer. We have considered the enemies of God’s work and their initial attacks, and we do know that God’s work progressed despite the attacks and opposition. How did God’s servants handle and overcome the attacks? How did they manage to accomplish such a great and difficult work in the face of severe adversity and opposition? Nehemiah recorded his and the people’s response and resolve to the work in light of the opposition and attacks.
 
Hear, O our God; for we are despised (Neh 4:4). God’s people were called to be men of prayer, and God’s house the house of prayer. We are to pray for everything, and in every situation. Nehemiah called upon God in prayer. He prayed on the following basis:
 
(i) Relationship with God (“our God”)
 
(ii) Confidence in God (“Hear” is a cry made because God hears.)
 
(iii) Situations and circumstances (“we are despised”)
 
He also prayed with a desire for justice and help in light of the troubles that had beset them in their service for God. As we give of ourselves to serve God, we can pray to the God we serve and ask both for the help needed for service, as well as guidance and protection needed in service.
 
For they have provoked thee to anger before the builders (Neh 4:5). Christian service and prayer go hand in hand. But prayer has to be in accordance with God’s will. Hence, there is a need for self-examination by the one praying. Nehemiah’s confidence, as he sought for justice, was not misplaced as it was the confidence of one who knew that he was neither murmuring against God nor trusting in his own righteousness as he brought his petitions to God. His mind was not focused on personal vengeance, but rather on the holiness and the cause of God. The opposition was not against the builders as this was not their own agenda. The opposition was against the LORD who had guided, led and given opportunity to the builders to serve Him through this great undertaking.
 
THOUGHT: (Meditate on the lyrics of “Something for Thee.”)

PRAYER: “Give me a faithful heart – likeness to Thee,” O Lord.

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