Day 47
Then I
brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs
that gave thanks.
Nehemiah
12:31
Thanksgiving
is such an important discipline. It is mentioned over a dozen times in the New
Testament alone. We are told that it is to be an important part of our prayer
life (Phil 4:6) and a defining characteristic of our lives (Eph 5:4).
Thanksgiving is to replace both our complaining and our fretting. Thanksgiving
is to define the people of God.
We
have watched an incredible journey in the book of Nehemiah. We have seen him as
he receives initial calling, his preparation for the project, his dealing with
challenges, and ultimately his success in rebuilding the wall. Clearly, the
hand of God has been upon Nehemiah.
As
we near the end of the book, we see Nehemiah establishing some cultural norms
that will define the future of Jerusalem. As things are drawing to a close, we
see him engage the people, not only practically, but spiritually. Part of the
spiritual disciplines that he is instilling include thanksgiving. He wants to
make sure the people are aware that it is God that has brought them this far.
It
is important for us to follow Nehemiah’s lead. We need to take stock from time
to time, to recognize what God is doing in our lives. It is far too easy to see
the difficulties and challenges and ignore the blessings. If ever anyone had problems,
Nehemiah had problems. However, Nehemiah chooses not to focus on the problems,
but to focus on the blessings. Thus, he appoints two great choirs to give thanks.
What
blessings do you need to give thanks for today? What has God been doing that
you have been ignoring in the midst of trial? What are the things in your life for
which you can stop right now and say to God, “Thank you.” Remember to give God
praise for all He has done.
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