A caring King

"During the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, so the king said to me, “Why are you sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but depression (sadness of heart).”  I was overwhelmed with fear and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire? ”
Nehemiah 2:1‭-‬3 HCSB


We all  have moments of sadness.  There are times when our hearts are burdened because of the circumstances we face.  As I read Nehemiah's story a few things plucked at my heart.

First, Nehemiah's heart was sad because his home town was in ruins.  Boy, oh boy!  How many times have my heart become sad because something I loved lay in ruin!  A dream that crumbled, or a job that slipped away, or a friendship that faded.  All ruins we face in this life are hard and make our hearts sad.  We would do well to learn from Nehemiah, on how to handle these times.

Second, Nehemiah went into the kings presence.  Nehemiah heart was sad, but he still went before his king.  He knew that this was the place he would find answers.  So he went before the king...sad heart and all.  I wonder why we think our King doesn't want us in His presence unless everything is all good?  In moments of fear, sadness, uncertainty, hurt, and exhaustion there is NO better place than The King of kings presence.

Third, the king took notice, and engaged Nehemiah in conversation.  He wanted to know what was bothering his servant!  Oh his abundantly true this is of our King!  Christ cares about our every hurt!  I love the way God seeks us, takes notice and listens to our hearts cry.  What a precious and amazing love God has for His people.

If you continue reading Nehemiah 2, you will discover that the king listened to Nehemiah's problem and his proposal and then provided everything Nehemiah would need for his journey.  What a beautiful picture of what our King does for us! He seeks us out, listens to our heart and provides exactly what we need for our journey!