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A Heart that Can Break (Nehemiah 1:4)

Scripture of the Day: Nehemiah 1:4

 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

 The above verse is Nehemiah's reaction to hearing the state of Jerusalem, after a remnant returned home after 70 years of exile. Things were not good. But Nehemiah's reaction was! His people and his land were hurting and in response his heart broke. (I have to note here I am doing a bible study on Nehemiah, by Kelly Minter and it has the title of this particular blog - A Heart that can Break. It is fabulous!)

 What is your response when you hear bad news? Do you have a compassionate heart? Does it break when you find out terrible things have happened to those you love? Or take it down a notch, does it break when you see a person in need? Or when you hear of a crisis somewhere in the world?

 I admit that I'm not sure I have the compassionate heart I probably should. I prefer to stay in ignorant bliss when it comes to most world issues because when I hear of the suffering I a) don't feel I can really do anything and b) it depresses me! I don't think God intends for us to do that. He would like us to have a compassionate heart that breaks for his people throughout the world who are hurting. God would like us to weep, mourn, fast, and pray. 

 Of those steps, I truly believe that praying is the most important one. Nehemiah prayed for four months before he got up the nerve to talk to the King about returning to Jerusalem to help. But he didn't give up! 

 Friends, we must intercede to God on behalf of those who need it. Pray often and hard for those who need it. Whether that be for someone you know, or a people a world away. Do not be callous and closed off. Open yourself up to have a heart that can break. Pray for God to give you compassion and a heart that truly loves. Yes, breaking can be painful - but it also allows for the most healing!

 Closing Prayer:

 Heavenly Father God, please give me a heart that can break. Instead of turning a blind eye to the pain going on around me, or on the other side of the world, give me courage to see it and courage to do something about it - pray. Give me a heart to pray for people and the world. Help me be more passionate and loving. I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

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