Who Directs Your Steps?

The book of Nehemiah starts off in Chapter 1 with Nehemiah meeting up with some men from Judah and then asking them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the Babylonian exile. He also asked about Jerusalem (2 Kings 24). When he heard that those who had survived were in great trouble and disgrace, and that the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down, he sat down and wept. For days Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed before the Lord (verses 1-4). The chapter ends with Nehemiah asking the Lord to give him success by granting him favour in the presence of the king, of whom he was the cupbearer.

Chapter 2 is an account of Nehemiah being in the presence of the king and serving him wine. The king then enquired as to why Nehemiah was looking so sad. Even though he was ‘very much afraid’ (verse 2), Nehemiah still ventured forward and shared with the king that the city of his ancestors, Jerusalem, was in ruins. The king then asked Nehemiah what he wanted. Nehemiah brought his request before the king to send him back in order to rebuild the city where his ancestors were buried. Verse 8b shows the success he received: “And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.”

What struck me the most, was Nehemiah praying to God before answering the king. Before he spoke a word, he enquired of the Lord.  Even in his distraught state, filled with worry and fear, he still remembered how much he needed the Lord for guidance. He trusted the Lord for the right words when answering the king. Every step taken, every word spoken and every action decided upon, was submitted to the Lord. He may have been so aware that his pain and fear could cloud his judgement, that he didn’t want to go ahead without the Lord’s presence.

This is an amazing example for us to follow.  No matter what situation we may find ourselves in, we can always turn to the Lord for help and guidance. In those moments before we reply or react, we can (and should) ask the Lord to direct us. In Psalm 141:3 David also prays to God and asks Him: “Set a guard over my mouth Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips.”  David’s words in Psalm 25 are another example of his dependence on the Lord: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in You all day long.” (verse 4-5). This verse isn’t just a general thought for us to ponder on, but is relevant for each day of our lives, for every decision we are considering, and for each situation we may be facing.