Pocket Thoughts - 8/7/26
Nehemiah served King Artaxerxes as cupbearer. Every cup of wine served to the king was first tasted by Nehemiah to ensure the wine was free of poison. This unique role placed Nehemiah in the room for all sorts of confidential meetings and intimate meals with state officials, close advisors, and personal friends. Nehemiah was obviously greatly trusted by the king. Well aware of the power and authority of King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah turned not to him, but to the Lord with his concerns and heartbreak over information he’d received about Jerusalem’s walls lying in ruins. He trusted and revered the counsel, power, and authority of the King of the universe over an earthly king. In humble prayer, Nehemiah laid his heart before God and asked for help and direction. Where is the first place you run to for help when you’re caught up in hard circumstances? Worldly counsel is at our fingertips with phones, computers, and educated therapists. Friends and family are readily available to listen and offer advice. All these people and things may have their place, but in the midst of the clamor of suggestions and ideas, the One Who holds the answers waits patiently for us to turn to Him. Our all-wise God is worthy of our first pursuit to move forward in times of challenge. His ways are the best ways. We can avoid heartache and wasted time if we bring our needs to His throne in prayer before seeking counsel for next steps from other sources. Our God is the Source – the Wellspring of Wisdom. Nehemiah knew that then. It’s important for us to remember that now.
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Father, I’m a slow learner. Although You’ve repeatedly demonstrated that Your ways are best, I’ve usually only circled back to that truth after rifling through a stack of my own ideas – which always prove foolish. Lord, the wisdom I need comes from above – comes from You. You’re the One Whose thoughts and ways are higher than anything I could conjure up in my own mind. They always prove true. They always hold up under the heaviest of stressors. They always lead to life. Your wisdom has sustained me, led me when I’ve lost my way, and instructed my heart when I’ve stood overlooking the valley of decision. Before I waste one more day of this precious life You’ve gifted me, remind me to run straight to You when life is hard and I need help. Keep me from wandering through the square of public opinion when Your opinion is the only one that matters. Thank You for being accessible to me through Your Son and my Savior Jesus. In His beautiful Name I pray, amen.
