SATURDAY May 28, 2022
Be Still Before God
So it was, when I [Nehemiah] heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Nehemiah 1:4
God had found a man whom He could anoint to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem––Nehemiah. His heart was close to the heart of God. He had a genuine concern for his Jewish brethren, even though he was so far away in Persia under the authority of King Artaxerxes.
Nehemiah had already been fasting, praying and mourning before the Lord. He denied himself for four full months. He was a man who was able to keep silent––a man of prayer. Nehemiah never told anyone what was heavy on his heart. He came to a place of standing still and waiting on the Lord.
As a cupbearer, Nehemiah tasted the king’s food and drink to make sure there was not a plot to poison the king. If King Artaxerxes noticed that something was wrong with his countenance, he might become suspicious of a plot. However, the king, knowing his servants character, asked him the reason for his sadness. Nehemiah was able to share his heart with the king concerning the oppression of his people. Then God spoke to the king’s heart to help.
Nehemiah’s prayer life shows us how to handle a problem, a need or a situation. How many times do we fail to go directly to God in prayer and wait on Him for the answer? Usually, we immediately go and tell other people about the situation, when we need to be quiet––to be still, and know that I am God... (Psalm 46:10). If you have something heavy on your heart today, sit still awhile; give yourself to prayer and seeking the Lord. Wait on the Him. Know He is working behind the scenes to answer.
If we don’t wait for the Lord to provide in His way and time, we may make unwise decisions we can’t afford.
~Charles F. Stanley~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
