Devotional - 9/22/03
“Strengthen My Hands"
Nehemiah 6:9 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed." But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands."
I just got back from "vacation." I put it in quotes because this particular "vacation" was spent primarily visiting my extended family. As a result, there was little time for me to rest and reconnect with my nuclear family. So in many ways I return from it even more tired than I was before I left.
I'm not saying this to complain -- as a matter of fact, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to get away and do something different for a little while. I especially thank those of you who stepped up and took responsibility for leading worship in my absence. And the trip did accomplish many important things. I was able to see my 86-year-old grandmother again. My girls learned to drive a golf cart (and survived!). My dad and brother got to meet Lily. I made a birdie on a tough par-3. And possibly most important, I was reminded of the value of my regular routine.
Perhaps you know what I mean. You spend fifty weeks of your life longing to get away. But when the two weeks to get away actually comes, you quickly realize how much you miss your own bed, your regular food, and familiar surroundings. And for a short while anyway, you think twice before you complain about the things you have.
I'm certainly in that place today. I am deeply thankful for my home, my office, and my family. I am especially thankful for my wife, who makes even the most dreadful days on the road a joy. I am thankful for my church family and the ministry I can do here.
But when the going was especially rough over the last few days of my "vacation," I have to admit that I spent a few dark moments wondering how I would ever pull myself into my chair this morning to start up again. I lost it more than once with members of my family, and I have alot of undoing to do. Much was fuzzy during that time, but one thing became painfully clear: that I had to get myself back in touch with the Lord first.
So I spent some extra time this morning reading the Bible and praying. It took a while for the Lord to clear the cobwebs, but he gave me this wonderful passage from Nehemiah to help me through. See, Nehemiah was in a similar situation. The chapters preceding our passage are filled with Nehemiah's adversities, and trust me, they are a string longer than your arm. Nehemiah had every right to throw in the towel, or worse yet, to spend a great deal of energy fighting the dragons with his bare hands. But his remedy was pointed and profound.
"Lord, strengthen my hands."
Can it be that simple? Can I look at all the crappy stuff that surrounds me and say four words that will propel me down the path of success?
Well, I'll leave that for you to answer. You can read Neh. 6:10-16 for yourself if you want to know what happened to Nehemiah. As for me, I've found my mantra for the day, and we'll all see together what the Lord will do.
"Lord, strengthen my hands."
Anybody wanna arm wrestle?
- Dale Haas