The Book of Nehemiah
Rebuilding the Walls
Recently, I joined a new church community, and it has been a blessing to me. Before I started attending physically, I had observed them online, joining in their services and programs regularly. If I saw a program where the lead pastor would be preaching, I would stream it too.
One thing that endeared me to the church was the active role the pastor’s wife played in services. She was well worded — and it showed. The love and regard the members gave her on a Sunday morning when she ministered made me want to be part of such a balanced family. Not one ‘superhero pastor’ and so many questionable things, but a healthy body where each part matters.
Another thing I love about my new church family is the habit of communal word study. This is in close tie with the acts of mercy, but for today, word study takes the lead for its direct relevance here. At the end of each month, in the last midweek service, we are invited to share what we’ve learned. Even as an online worshipper before, I’d always feel like I missed out on that fellowship of one-mindedness with the brethren. It takes deliberate effort to make a people of one mind, and this church ensures we get it — diving into more than one book of the Bible each month. Minding the same things together. I’m certain the same is replicated in many local assemblies, and it’s always such a rich experience.
This month, we are in the Book of Nehemiah. The caption gave it away, I know. But still — we are in Nehemiah. And while the plan is to take it one chapter a day, alongside other books, I’ve been drawn deeply into the story of one man.
A man passionate about the beauty, dignity, and glory of Jerusalem. When he heard of her state, he wept for many days, fasting and praying with every breath. He maintained his focus, paying the price of building in the midst of opposition and always being battle ready. If he had waited for the naysayers and scorners to stop talking, the wall might never have been built, and the gates never restored.
Proverbs says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28). Without boundaries, life keeps happening to you. One emergency after another. Barely getting by — paycheck to paycheck. Or even if you’re making ends meet, never truly satisfied; as though your belly is a pit or your pockets have holes.
But if, like Nehemiah, you take stock and give yourself an honest review, it should spur you into a more determined, blinders-on focus. And here’s the thing: most people won’t be comfortable with that. They’re used to your broken-down walls — your lack of boundaries, your high tolerance for low-impact conversations, your unclear path — and they’ve learned how to exploit that.
The responsibility lies with you. The Lord has already granted you favor by the good hand of God upon your life. You have every resource you need to live according to purpose, to rebuild your walls, to set boundaries, and to be accountable for your choices. Every grace is supplied.
And when you finish building, just like Nehemiah, it will be said of you: “When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (Nehemiah 6:16). People will adjust. Just focus on the task God has committed to you — and at the end, it will be obvious that the Lord has done it.
