The book of Nehemiah in the Bible tells the story of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. It had been destroyed along with the rest of the city when the Babylonian king conquered the Hebrew kingdom and took the people captive to Babylonia.
Nehemiah served King Artaxerxes. He would be the one to ask the king for permission to rebuild the wall. But before Nehemiah did that, he prayed. In his prayer he confessed the sins of the people as they had rebelled against God. Nehemiah also spent some time in his prayer praising God for His awesome power. After Nehemiah acknowledged his own and the people’s weaknesses and recognized the mighty power of God, he made one petition of God. He asked for favor. Nehemiah needed God’s favor and the king’s favor in order to rebuild the wall.
Psalm 90:17 says, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” If we wish to produce good fruit and accomplish meaningful works, we need the favor of God. It is encumbant upon us to pray before we begin the work and to seek God’s favor. We should acknowledge our own weaknesses, like Nehemiah did, and trust in God’s power. Then we can see do that which endures and brings forth good.
Reluctant Retiree 