During this first week of 2024, we’re entering a time of prayer and fasting as a church. In Daily Bible Reading, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a different campus pastor each day, guiding you through the various reasons why we fast and pray. Today, you’ll hear from Midtown Campus Pastor Alex Diaz. For more information on Prayer and Fasting Week, visit tpcc.org/prayerandfasting.
Read Nehemiah 1:1-4 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- What news did Nehemiah receive from Hanani?
- What was Nehemiah's emotional response to the news from Judah?
- What spiritual disciplines did Nehemiah use as he approached God with his pain?
Reflect
To experience loss is to be human. Somehow, we have bought the idea that Christians should have it all together, even rising above the unrelenting grief that may come from the loss of something or someone dear to us, as if sadness and pain are a sign of the sinful imperfection that happens to those who are far from God. If you have ever been taught a similar idea, please know that I am sorry! Being a Christian does not turn people into clones with only two emotions: happy or happier. On the contrary, we can be present in our grief and even find God in the midst of it.
Nehemiah was one of the many leaders in the Bible who experienced loss. In his case, he mourned the destruction of his nation. Though not explicit, I am sure he had proper names for whoever "they" were. The implications of this loss were most likely insurmountable. Can you relate? Have you or someone you know experienced the loss of a relationship, an opportunity or a community? Have you had to endure the overwhelming sadness that comes after a miscarriage, a divorce or a departure? If so, please hear me clearly: It's OK to mourn. It’s OK to feel disoriented, sad, doubtful or even incomplete. If you are in a season or a moment of your life when the loss has been so immense you cannot escape it — it’s OK to feel that way.
It is also OK to seek relief in a healthy and holy way! Nehemiah did just that. He directed his pain and emotions upward. Notice in verse four he explained he sat with his pain, yet he “fasted and prayed to the God of heaven.” This is the link that unites the many experiences of loss and grief we can find in the Bible. From the Psalms of David where he describes despair and persecution, to the confessions of Paul in Romans 7 and 2 Corinthians 12, many heroes of the faith had one thing in common: When in grief, they turned to God.
Jesus himself grieved when one of his dearest friends passed away, giving us the shortest verse in the whole Bible in two mighty words: "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). Friend, I assure you Jesus is with you in your pain. He is with you when you mourn and reminisce. Yet, He is also the giver of new life! If you do as Nehemiah did, you will find God! Explore fasting and praying to the God of heaven with all your might and pain. He can take it. He will be there.
This week, I encourage you to pick a time and place to be alone and spill your emotions to your Heavenly Father. Pray like crazy. Journal all your feelings and questions. Find a community that can support you. Serve Him and others. Consider fasting. And seek His presence like never before. That is what Nehemiah did, and guess what? After a while, God restored what had been destroyed! And that, my dear friend, is the next chapter…
Respond
- Is there something I’m grieving in this season? Instead of turning to other things as coping mechanisms, is God using this as a time to draw me closer to Him? To show me His promise for restoration, peace and joy?
- Have I built a robust rhythm for my prayer life?
- Do I have a community to lean into?
- Do I need to speak with someone about my grief?
Read More
Psalm 34
For more information and resources on our week of prayer and fasting, visit tpcc.org/prayerandfasting.