“I said to the king, ‘May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?’”
Nehemiah 2:3
When we see a word repeated over and over in the Bible, we should take notice. In three short verses, Nehemiah’s sadness is noted four times. Even King Artaxerxes takes notice: “This can be nothing but sadness of the heart” (v. 2). Due to the fall of Adam, we are all brought forth into a life not only of sin, but of misery. The weight of sin in this world breaks our hearts every day. The fallout from sin can be devastating in our lives.
Nehemiah was clearly, visibly heartbroken. There had been a time when Jerusalem was filled with joy and laughter. People worked and raised families. Children played. But the city was now in ruins, and the memories of distant laughter could only provoke tears. Nehemiah’s heart resembled the ruins of his homeland.
It is often hard for us to own our sadness over the state of this broken world. But how can we look to God for hope when we diminish the need for such hope? Friend, let your face be sad when you are sad. Commit your tears to the Lord and the brothers and sisters He has placed around you.
Nehemiah was clearly, visibly heartbroken. There had been a time when Jerusalem was filled with joy and laughter. People worked and raised families. Children played. But the city was now in ruins, and the memories of distant laughter could only provoke tears. Nehemiah’s heart resembled the ruins of his homeland.
It is often hard for us to own our sadness over the state of this broken world. But how can we look to God for hope when we diminish the need for such hope? Friend, let your face be sad when you are sad. Commit your tears to the Lord and the brothers and sisters He has placed around you.
Scripture Focus
Nehemiah 2:1-3
Insight
Remember, there will be a day when every tear is wiped from your eyes and there will be no more sadness (see Revelation 21:4).
Bible In A Year
- 1 Samuel 11-12
- Psalm 125
- 2 Corinthians 4-5
