Friday, November 21, 2025

Give praise to God!

"This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it" ( Psalm 118:4).

Nehemiah had a burning vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem which lay in ruins after the Jewish dispersion ( Nehemiah 1). While in exile he decided to approach King Artaxerxes to allow him go back and rebuild Jerusalem. "Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it" ( 2 Nehemiah: 4-5). The king let him.

But building the Jerusalem wall was not easy. Nehemiah faced incredible opposition from every corner- including several attempts to assassinate him. "But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it" ( Nehemiah 4:7-8).

Against odds, including working day and night while on guard, the wall was eventually built. After all was done the scattered Jews gathered in the City Square to celebrate, "Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy  of the Lord is your strength" ( Nehemiah 8:10).

What a fitting way to end after all the struggle you have been through. As with Nehemiah that day of feasts is coming for the Lord has delivered and answered your requests.

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, you have been so good to me and today I go our to celebrate, victory, for this is this is the day you have made, this I pray in Jesus's name.