Musing: Turmoil

My heart and I believe your hearts are in turmoil over the state of affairs here in the United States. I believe we all can better identify with Nehemiah as he is overwhelmed with grief as he gets word what is happening in his country of Israel.

As you recall Nehemiah is in captivity in Persia as the cupbearer to the king. One day some people come from Jerusalem and Nehemiah as about the condition of Israel and the people who had just returned home from captivity. 

• Nehemiah 1:2 “I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.”

Verse 3 was their response:

• Nehemiah 1:3 “And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”

After hearing the report we see the impact it had on Nehemiah in verse 4.

• Nehemiah 4:4 “So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”

For several days he wept and mourned. Does this capture how you have been feeling? Something has to be done. We have to go beyond pointing fingers and complaining. Nehemiah decided to pray and fast. Perhaps that is what we should consider doing? 

On Sunday Ps Tom’s wife Lisa announced that next Saturday, June 27 our church will be hosting a time of prayer for our community and our nation. You are welcomed to join us. If not I am going to set a day aside next week to fast and pray. I am unsure of which day but I’ll let you know if you are interested.

More than ever the verse below should be applied more than just quoted.

• 2 Chronicles 7:14  “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
• This is my response to turmoil. What is yours?