Day 51
Remember
me, O my God, for good
Nehemiah
13:31
Many
times, in life, it feels as if all our efforts go unnoticed. We give and give
and no one recognizes our efforts. These sacrifices may be for family, for
friends, or for work. However, the result is the same. We give our all and it
feels like it is for nothing. Sometimes, it even feels as if God has not
noticed.
Nehemiah
finds himself in a similar situation. He has given up everything, gone to
Jerusalem, has worked hard, and dealt with all sorts of problems. You would
think that things would start getting better for him, but they have not. In the
final verses of the final chapter, he is still dealing with people who will not
do what God would have them do.
Nehemiah
has a choice to make. He can allow the situation to frustrate and discourage
him. Or, he can realize that this is not between him and the people, but rather
him and God. If his faith in God is where it should be, this knowledge will be
enough. However, if he has allowed the situation to shake his faith, this
knowledge will not be enough.
Each
of us must keep a close check on our emotions. It is very easy to feel
unappreciated and unnoticed. However, if we can keep a right perspective, none
of this will discourage us. Knowing that God is ultimately in charge, and that He
is the rewarder of people who serve Him, will help us to avoid frustration.
Take
time today to gauge where your emotions are. Are you depending on people to
make you feel valued and appreciated? If so, pray with Nehemiah, “Remember me,
O my God, for good.” Not only is this an expression of faith in His power to
reward and bless, it is a reminder to us that the approval of man is fleeting. Make sure that you are serving for right
reasons and with a right perspective.
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