Repairing the Broken Wall

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: September 18, 2024

Scripture: "They said to me, 'Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.' When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." - Nehemiah 1:3-4,

Devotional Thoughts

The story of Nehemiah is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of comfort and prosperity, we can be burdened by the brokenness in our own lives, families, communities, and nations. When Nehemiah received the news of the broken wall of Jerusalem, he didn't ignore it or pretend it wasn't his problem. Despite being away in the king's palace, he took it upon himself to pray, fast, and weep for the state of his people.

In our own lives, we may have our own "broken walls" - areas where we feel broken, fragmented, or in disrepair. Perhaps it's a broken relationship, a struggling career, or financial difficulties. Maybe it's a sense of hopelessness and despair in our native countries, communities, or even in our own hearts. Whatever the brokenness may be, Nehemiah's response teaches us that we don't have to be passive observers. We can take action, just like Nehemiah did.

Practical Reflections:

• What are the "broken walls" in your life that need repair? Is it a relationship that's struggling, a career that's stalled, or a financial crisis that's looming? Take a moment to identify the areas where you feel broken or in disrepair.

• How can you take responsibility for repairing these broken walls? Is there a step you can take today to begin the process of rebuilding?

• Just like Nehemiah, are you willing to pray, fast, and weep for the brokenness in your life and in the lives of those around you?

Closing Thoughts

Nehemiah's story reminds us that we have the power to make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. We don't have to be held back by our circumstances or wait for someone else to come and fix our problems. We can take initiative, just like Nehemiah did, and begin the process of repairing the broken walls in our lives.

As we reflect on our own broken walls, let us remember that God is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Repairer. He is the One who can restore and rebuild what is broken, and He invites us to partner with Him in the process.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Nehemiah's example, who showed us that even in the midst of comfort and prosperity, we can be burdened by the brokenness in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Help me identify the broken walls in my life and take responsibility for repairing them. Give me the courage and determination to begin the process of rebuilding, even when it seems impossible. Help me to pray, fast, and weep for the brokenness in my life and in the lives of those around me. Thank you for being my rock, my refuge, and my repairer. I trust in Your power to restore and rebuild what is broken. Give me wisdom, guidance, and strength to take the next step towards repairing the broken walls in my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.