UNPREPARED AND VERY AWARE OF IT by brent mills

I have spent some time reading through the book of Nehemiah this week. If it’s unfamiliar to you, I encourage you to read this exciting story of a godly man who accepted the challenge to return to his homeland, rebuild the city of Jerusalem, and lead the people of Israel back to a place of righteous living before God.

There are many great lessons in the book, but in the last few days, I’ve been struck by the intentionality Nehemiah showed in his personal time with God. Before he made any decisions, before he took any kind of action, before the people engaged in corporate times of worship and singing…

Nehemiah made sure his heart was aligned with God.

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: 'Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.'” ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭1:4-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In the case of Nehemiah and the Israelites, a slow drift away from obedience to God’s Law had left them in a place where the people had no knowledge of God’s principles.

Confession was needed.

The book of the Law needed to be read aloud, and this reading brought a desire for repentance from the whole community of people. As hearts softened and people began to return to a place of relationship with God, they were ready for worship and celebration.

“Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.” Nehemiah‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I wonder how often I come to church unprepared to worship God.

If I have not done my individual work of preparation with the Lord before I arrive, I am not able to experience the joyful celebration that comes when God’s people worship Him together. My daily life provides more than enough opportunities for distraction, stress, broken relationships, and sin—these things create distance between me and the Lord.

Once I’ve spent some individual time in God’s presence with my Bible and the Holy Spirit, I emerge with a clean heart, and I can freely join the community of God’s people in my worship. I might not look different on the outside, but this is a completely different way to worship God.

I am truly able to experience God’s love and encouragement in my heart,, and I am free to impact others with the contagious joy that overflows from God’s presence in my life.

Let's follow Nehemiah's example and be people who first prepare ourselves in the quiet times, and then worship God with freedom and joy in community.

Brent
bmills@b4church.org