Chaplain Jill’s Devo
Pray Before Speaking
(Read Nehemiah 2)
Reflection on the passage:
How easy it is, especially when we get emotionally triggered, to speak what first comes to mind and then afterward regret our choice of words. As a parent that happens more than I’d like to admit. In this week’s chapter, Nehemiah shows us a more excellent way.
When King Artaxerxes perceptively notices Nehemiah’s “sadness of heart” and asks about it, Nehemiah is shot through with fear. Not only would he have been afraid of displeasing the King by not keeping a positive countenance, but he must have been afraid of messing up this moment. This was the opportunity he’d been waiting after a long time of weeping, praying, and fasting for his people. Nehemiah first gives an honest but careful initial reply. Then when the King says, “What is it you want?,” he silently prays to God before uttering another word!
The result? Nehemiah is able to state his request to rebuild the city of his ancestors boldly and in a way that gains the King’s empathy. Then the King grants all his requests! He sends Nehemiah to Judah with letters for safe passage and for materials and with the additional provision of an army escort. Nehemiah rightly attributes this to the “gracious hand of God” being upon him (vs. 8). After arriving in Jerusalem and doing a nighttime wall inspection, Nehemiah testifies about this work of God to the Jews in Jerusalem. This is what motivates them to start the work of rebuilding.
This does not mean that Nehemiah’s path ahead is obstacle-free. His political opponents Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, powerful leaders in neighboring territories, do not want to see the situation of the Israelites improve. But their ridicule and threats do not shake Nehemiah’s confidence in God’s good plans for his people.
I wonder how we might open up more opportunities for God to work in and through our lives despite the obstacles, when we follow Nehemiah’s example of pausing to pray before speaking.
Focus verse and questions for prayerful reflection:
“I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work.” (Nehemiah 2:18)
- Think about a time when another person’s testimony about God inspired you to action, or a time when your testimony inspired others.
- What good work might God be calling you to in this season? Is there a rebuilding project that God is putting on your heart as he did with Nehemiah? What might be the obstacles and where might God want you to trust in his gracious provision?
For further reading:
Read about why Ezra, a Jewish priest and scribe, did not ask for an army escort for his journey to Jerusalem: Ezra 8:21-23. Reflect on how God might work differently through different types of leaders and situations.
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