To desire revival… and at the same time to neglect (personal) prayer and devotion is to wish one way and walk another.
– A.W. Tozer
We tend to neglect small things in life. And this pandemic showed us some of the things we took for granted. Like, being able to hug our loved ones, celebrating milestones in our lives together and gathering to worship our God. The wisdom of the saying “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone” can be felt by all of us.
This saying is not only true to the material things or relationships we have. But also with our personal relationship with our Father in Heaven. I am guilty of this, failing to prioritize prayer, devotion and Bible reading in my daily life. We use activities at work and home as our alibis on why we do not have time.
History to Understand the Word of God
Want to know the History of the Books of Nehemiah? Click here.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Nehemiah 1. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Ezra 1: How To Be Effective Instruments Of God
There are two observations I noticed that would explain why we are failing to devote our time to cultivating our relationship with Jesus.
Focusing On What We Can Control
Jeremiah has spoken God’s promise to His children when he said, for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11). So why do we worry about a lot of things beyond our control? It is because we do not depend on God fully. We think that if we do not do something, then there is nothing going to happen.
This might be true on occasions that we can do something, but not applicable to all circumstances. Nehemiah’s situation is a good example. He worried about what was going on in Israel (Nehemiah 1:3). But cannot do anything, for he was in Persia.
As a result, he offered to God his worries and the safety of his country and fellowmen. Moreover, he knew that God is the great God of their fathers has been faithful, consistent and keeps those who keep His commandments (Nehemiah 1:5).
The Popular Pride
Nehemiah 1:6-7 is when Nehemiah confessed his sin and humbly accepted his transgression against God. Additionally, he did not only mention his sins but that of his fathers too. This act of humility is often hard for others. Why?
It is because of our pride. When asked if we are good, reflexively we answer yes. Not even blinking twice when we respond. That is because we always keep in mind the “good things” we do but hide the ugly ones.
King Solomon wrote, whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28:13). How can you be forgiven if you do not ask for mercy? And how can you ask for mercy if you do not know you are sinning? Awareness of our standing in the eyes of God, and not of men, is the gateway for us to be saved in Jesus Christ.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Are you guilty of neglecting small things in life?
- Does this include your personal time with Jesus? Accept Jesus Now.
- Is it hard for you to see your sins?
- Are you finding it difficult to confess your sins?
- How do you let go of your pride?
- Try to take this test and see if you have sinned.
Related Post
- Is It Overrated To Be Selfless?
- The Proud will not seek God
- With An Oath, We Have Made Ourselves Debtors
- How To Know That Sufferings Relate To Satan?
Prayer
Almighty Father, our unchanging God, we praise your name above all names. Thank you for your plans for us. Help us be obedient to you and your will. O Lord, Jesus Christ, you saved us from the destruction brought about by our sins. We thank you and honour your name. May the Holy Spirit not depart from us and continuously guide us in following the will of the Father.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
