…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.

Nehemiah 1:6

A key component of Nehemiah’s prayer was repentance. He identified with the sins of the people and repented, both for his own sins and for theirs, for their unfaithfulness towards God. Israel’s history was replete with God’s people turning from God to idolatry and pagan practices. Repeatedly the Lord reminded them that if they turned back to Him, He would redeem them. Time and time again we see this pattern repeated: unfaithfulness and disobedience, turning back to God, and God redeeming His people.

Nehemiah confessed their sins of disobedience against God’s commands that were given to Moses. (v.7) God has promised us as well that if we return to Him in repentance he will heal and deliver us: …if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (II Chronicles 7:14) Nehemiah repented and reminded God of His promise to gather His people back when they turned to Him in repentance.

Where do you need to turn back to God? Have you been so busy that you haven’t sought Him in prayer? Have you sinned and refused to come back to Him thinking that you have strayed so far away that it is impossible for you to return? God’s Word says that sin is not to be our master because we are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14) Where has sin had mastery over you? Turn back today and receive God’s grace. The Lord is always waiting with open arms.

Heavenly Father,

I repent that I have strayed far from You. I have been disobedient to Your Word and have fallen away. Thank you for Your promise that if I humble myself and turn back to You,

You will receive me with open arms.

In Jesus’ name, Amen