Wisdom For Building and Rebuilding

 WISDOM FOR REBUILDING

The book of Proverbs in the Bible has so many practical things to teach us about everyday living.

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

Proverbs 25:28

What a helpful picture this proverb provides people who have come out of a season of unpredictability and chaos.

The walls are broken down and anyone can enter the city and cause havoc.  There is no order, no protection and no peace for the people. 

This is a frank description of life for all of us who have struggled because we’ve tried to do life on our own without God. 

Fortunately, when we call out to God in our vulnerable state, He brings us to a place where we can start rebuilding a safe and secure way of life.

O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced.  Save me, for you do what is right.  Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly.  Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe. 

Psalm 31:1-2

In the Bible we read how a man named Nehemiah and the residents returning to the broken down city of Jerusalem rebuilt the walls. 

Nehemiah and the people had to have courage and self-control to do the work and finish the job.  They faced cynics who criticized their work and sneered at them each day saying that the wall they were building would never be strong enough and all the gaps would never be filled. 

Through it all Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem persevered and the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in an amazingly short period of time.

So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God. 

Nehemiah 6:15-16

Loving Heavenly Father,  we’re so grateful that when we follow Your plans, You watch over us, protect us, and help us accomplish amazing things. 

Thank You for all You do for us when we persevere in spite of adversity.  We know how faithful You are from stories like this one about Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem. 

Give us courage and self-control today, we pray, to face the tasks before us of building life according to Your plan.  Help us to quietly and confidently obey Your teaching and trust You to see us through to successful completion.  Amen

Well, let’s be people who believe God, trust God, and find the success He promises.