Beautiful Word Devotional #106

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”

Nehemiah 2:17

Devastation comes to all of us. At times we feel like the Israelites standing in the midst of a very broken-down Jerusalem: we lie in ruins, and fire has consumed us.

When that’s the case, Scripture reminds us, it is okay to grieve. Afterward comes a time when rebuilding is necessary. That’s when we ask ourselves these questions: What walls do I need to build today? In what places has tragedy torn down my resolve? Where are there breaches in my soul? What’s broken?

This may seem utterly impossible to you. But remember: Nehemiah didn’t tell just one Israelite to build the entire wall. No, he used the word us, and you can too. You’re not alone in your rebuilding project. God loves to bless his people with a good community to help you rebuild what’s been torn down and burned.

Lord, please show me where my rebuilding project should start—and then bring people to me who will help me, amen.