After a few excursions into various other topics I’ve finally returned to Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 9:I, the people of Israel gathered together. They fasted, they separated themselves from the other nationalities and they confessed their sins to God.
They also read from the book of the law and worshiped the Lord their God, verse 3. They remembered what God had done and the way God had brought them and how He had fulfilled His promises to them.
It is a good model for us to follow – one of confession of our sins and remembering and praising Him for all He has done for us and the way He has brought us. As I look back at my life I can see how God has had His hand on me since I was a child. Even when, like the Israelites, I disobeyed God, He never let go of me.
Maybe your experience of God is similar. If so then praise Him for His faithfulness in keeping hold and bringing you back to Himself. We can also praise Him for His promises that he gives to us in His Word and the way they are always fulfilled.
The Levites prayed remembering God’s provision and how He opened a way through what seemed an impossible situation when they where confronted with the Red Sea, verse 9. They remembered the signs God had given Pharaoh and how God was merciful to His people but acted in judgment towards to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. They remembered the laws God gave them from Mt Sinai, verse 13, and how God provided their needs.
The Levites did not minimize the people’s rebellion, verse 16, but confessed it all. Despite their idolatry, God still was compassionate and did not forsake them in the wilderness, verse 19. What a comfort to know God never forsakes us either. He is our deliverer as He was for Israel, verse 27.
So how will you respond? Is there something you need to confess to God and seek His forgiveness? In your prayers how often do you recall God’s provision and care for you and thank Him for them?
Related blogs
Putting God in a Box- Part 2
Consequences of Unconfessed Sin