Turning Distress Over

Read Nehemiah 1

What an amazing example we have in the book of Nehemiah. This exiled prophet turns the distress of Israel over to God. Eleven times in this book it's recorded that Nehemiah prayed. What should we do when distress comes our way? Turn it over to God just like Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 1 begins the story. The Jewish remnant, those who had survived the exile, were back in Jerusalem but not all Israel was regathered at this time. Nehemiah was in the citadel of Susa, away from his home when some brothers came from Judah. So he questions them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile and asked about Jerusalem. The report was not good. He learned the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and its gates were burned with fire. And the people were in great trouble and were disgraced.

Now when Nehemiah heard these things he was deeply moved. His heart ached for his brothers and his homeland as he sat down and wept. Then he turned it over to God. After days of mourning, fasting and praying he prays to God. Reminds God of His covenant with His people. How God had promised that if His people would love and obey Him how blessed they would be. But if they turned away from Him and followed another way how they would be scattered. Nehemiah is encouraged by this covenant because He knew God also said if you return to me and obey my commands, then I will gather my people back to Myself.

Listen, many of us have been disobedient like these Israelites and we've faced some of the consequences of our choices. Yet God promises to accept us once we return to Him. Now what does it mean to return to God? Simply that we agree with God. Agree with Him that we have gone our own way instead of His way and ask Him to receive us. Remember God is loving and forgiving - all He wants is people whose hearts are turned over to Him.