Sighing, the prophet surveyed the site before him. Never had he imagined the City of David would look like this:
Desolated.
Devastated.
Destroyed.
What was even worse was the poverty afflicting the people:
Physical poverty.
Emotional poverty.
Spiritual poverty,
How could this happen?
Nehemiah knew God. He also knew the city needed rebuilt. This was the first step in rebuilding God’s people.
While others might rightfully review the rubble and give up all hope, Nehemiah knew how to begin: one stone at a time.
In teams, the people would take sections of the wall and slowly, painstakingly proceed:
1). Clear the rubbish from the foundation.
2). Use every ounce of strength to position that first stone.
3). Maximize the teamwork to faithfully complete the assigned portion of the project.
Nehemiah knew rebuilding the wall was the first step in rebuilding the faith of the Jews in devastated Jerusalem.
What should we do when we’ve lost our way? When the life we thought we had on autopilot screeches to a halt and appears destroyed? Sometimes, surveying the mess leaves us overwhelmed, asking, where do I even start? Life as we knew it appears desolated, devastated, destroyed.
Our minds might believe the lie that we are too far gone. Nothing could repair this damage.
But then, we need to:
- Clear the rubbish from our foundation. Clear away physical rubbish that cause us to spiritually and emotionally fall: books, media, etc.
Follow a Philippians 4:8 mindset. Only allow thoughts to occupy the mind that meet this criteria: true, right, nobel, pure, admirable, and lovely.
Clear the spiritual rubbish. Don’t believe our sins couldn’t possibly be pardoned, or that we must earn God’s forgiveness. That’s why Jesus came, to carry you and me back to the Father. (John 3:16)
2. Use every ounce of strength to make the first change. And when we’re certain we don’t possess enough strength, ask God for His. (Philippians 4:13)
3. Once that first step is in place, work with other believers to build the life we are called to live. With help from God and supportive friends, we can accomplish what at first seemed impossible.
And, just like the rebuilt Jerusalem, the end result will bring untold praise and glory to God.