Introduction

Good morning, beloved! It is indeed a joy and a privilege to stand before you today, to share and to learn from the Word of God. Our hearts are united in this sacred space, bound by our shared love for the Lord and our desire to draw closer to Him.

As we prepare to unpack the profound wisdom found in the book of Nehemiah, I am reminded of a quote by the respected Christian author, J.I. Packer. He once said, "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord." Our focus today is about aligning our hearts with God's will, and it is my prayer that as we immerse ourselves in Nehemiah's story, we will gain a deeper understanding of what it means to truly know God and align ourselves with His divine purpose.

Harmonizing Heart with God's Will

In the passage we read, we see Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king, carrying a heavy burden in his heart. His beloved city, Jerusalem, lies in ruins. The walls that once stood strong, offering protection and symbolizing the might of his people, are now nothing but rubble. This distresses Nehemiah greatly. However, instead of wallowing in despair, he turns to God. He seeks divine guidance and aligns his heart with God's will.

Nehemiah's response to the situation is a lesson for us all. When faced with challenges, our first instinct might be to panic, to worry, or to try and solve the problem on our own. But Nehemiah shows us a different approach. He turns to God, seeking His guidance and aligning his desires with God's will. This is not an easy task. It requires humility, trust, and a deep understanding of God's character.

Nehemiah's prayer to God is a testament to his faith. He acknowledges the sovereignty of God, confesses the sins of his people, recalls God's promises, and finally, presents his request. This is not a hasty, desperate plea, but a thoughtful, heartfelt prayer that reflects Nehemiah's understanding of God's character and his desire to align his heart with God's will.

We also see Nehemiah's courage and faith in action when he presents his request to the king. He does not let fear hold him back. Instead, he trusts in God's providence and steps out in faith. In the same way, we are called to align our hearts with God's will. This means seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives, trusting in His providence, and stepping out in faith, even when it's scary or uncomfortable.

The story of Nehemiah also teaches us about the importance of prayer in aligning our hearts with God's will. Nehemiah's prayer is a constant dialogue with God. He prays before he speaks to the king, he prays as he inspects the walls of Jerusalem, and he prays as he faces opposition. This constant communication with God helps Nehemiah stay focused on God's will and gives him the strength to persevere.

Similarly, we need to cultivate a habit of prayer in our lives. Prayer is not just about asking God for things, but about aligning our hearts with His. It's about acknowledging His sovereignty, confessing our sins, thanking Him for His blessings, and presenting our requests to Him. It's a way for us to express our trust in God and to draw strength from Him.

Nehemiah's story also highlights the importance of patience in aligning our hearts with God's will. Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was not an easy task. It required planning, resources, and a lot of hard work. But Nehemiah did not rush the process. Aligning our hearts with God's will is not a quick process. It requires time, effort, and a lot of patience. But the end result is worth it. When our hearts are aligned with God's will, we are able to experience His peace, joy, and fulfillment.

Finally, Nehemiah's story teaches us about the importance of community in aligning our hearts with God's will. Nehemiah did not rebuild the walls of Jerusalem on his own. He rallied the people, encouraged them, and worked alongside them. Similarly, we are not meant to walk our Christian journey alone. We need the support and encouragement of our fellow believers. We need to work together, to encourage each other, and to hold each other accountable. This sense of community is crucial in helping us align our hearts with God's will.

Harnessing Faith to Overcome Obstacles

As we move forward, we find ourselves in the midst of Nehemiah's narrative where he is faced with a daunting task ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO