By Sheila Barnett
“But we prayed to our God and posted a guard night and day to meet this threat.” (Nehemiah 4:9, NIV)
In the book of Nehemiah, chapter 4, we read about the opposition that this man and the other Israelites faced as they rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. During this time, the Jews were surrounded by their enemies as they worked. These adversaries ridiculed, taunted, and criticized the Israelites and even plotted to attack them! (vs. 1-3, 7-8)
What was Nehemiah’s response? First, he and the Israelites prayed. Next, Nehemiah posted guards around the workers. (v. 9) In addition, the builders wore swords and other laborers held a weapon in one hand as they worked. (vs. 16-18) The Israelites were committed to their task and the wall was rebuilt in 52 days. (Nehemiah 6:15)
Today, if you or I are mistreated, how can we apply Nehemiah’s strategy? Praying about the situation is the best place to start. Next, perhaps we should post a guard – over our own natural reactions to being wronged. For example, we might need to guard our minds against thoughts of revenge. Romans 12:17 says, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Or maybe we need to guard our words against angry, hurtful outbursts because “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) And our hearts might need to be guarded against a spirit of unforgiveness. In Luke 6:37, Jesus said, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
The story of Nehemiah reminds us that as we pray, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can guard ourselves against our own potential “enemies”.
Dear Heavenly Father, I ask for your help in guarding my reactions to mistreatment so that my thoughts, words, and deeds glorify You.”