Pocket Thoughts - 10/3/26

When Nehemiah received news of the disgraceful state of the wall and the gates leading into Jerusalem, he was devastated. In grief and sorrow, he knelt before God and prayed for his people, his homeland, and success in bringing God’s will to pass in the hearts of the people and their nation. Nehemiah made no mention of his personal needs or desires. He sought only the success of the plans of his God, and God responded with favor, wisdom, and provision.

We often forget that kingdom work is the work. We forget that our Father cares about and has promised to meet our needs. We forget that we exist to glorify Him – not the other way around. Let’s focus our prayers on the success of furthering God’s kingdom – in our personal lives, in larger circles, and throughout the world. As we pour our energy into kingdom work, we’ll have the privilege of partnering with the King of kings to bring blessing and flourishing to all humanity.

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God of all comfort, just as Nehemiah mourned for the state of his homeland, we grieve for the state of our own nation. There is work to do. It starts with prayer. Let us turn to You in humility, confessing our sins, turning away from our proud, rebellious ways, and pursuing Your way instead of our own. There is work to do. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37) May it be front of mind for every single one of Your children that we are the workers. Fill us with Your Spirit, give us eyes of compassion and wisdom, and let us pick up the tools necessary for the furthering of Your kingdom. There is work to do. By Your grace and strength, help us to get it done. In the powerful and beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.