Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Nehemiah 6 and Psalm 18

As the wall-rebuilding project steadily progressed, Nehemiah faced relentless attacks from those opposing the project. A variety of diabolical weapons were employed by the opposition ringleaders, Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem. Over and over they employed false friendship (v.1-4), slanderous accusations (v.5-7), intimidation (v.7-9), manipulative counsel/false prophecy (v.10, 12-14) and strategic undermining of his leadership (v.17-19).

As the leader of this project and being the spiritual leader of the faithful Jews in many ways too, the language of Nehemiah 6 portrays the sense of isolation and loneliness that assailed Nehemiah in this time of trial. The words “I”, “me” and “you” (singular) are used 18 times in the first 14 verses. Although he reports, “They were trying to frighten us“, every other reference is to himself alone. Clearly, leadership can be a very isolating task. And, even if we are not in leadership, spiritual attacks like these (whether they occur at home, in our friendship circle or at work) can leave us feeling deeply lonely. It is easy to forget that we have loving human support, and it’s even easier to forget that the Lord is only a heartbeat and a whispered-prayer away.

At the heart of the chapter lies the secret to Nehemiah’s success: “But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands’” (v.9). Four months of deliberate prayer had kick-started Nehemiah’s success (ch.1-2) but it was constant, instantaneous prayer in response to challenges that carried Nehemiah through. And in 52 days a problem that had existed for nearly 100 years was solved. It had taken 4 months of prayer but less than 2 months of coordinated work. Isn’t it wonderful what can be accomplished when people partner with Almighty God to fulfil His vision and His agenda!

Heavenly Father, I long to be used by You today. Please be with me in all the challenges and the potential opposition I face. Use others alongside me, and Your Spirit within me, to strengthen me for the tasks You give me. And, in Your grace, grant me success. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.