2 Things Turned It

Almost every believer quotes this verse but nearly none in context.

Author

Steven Pawley
December 13, 2025

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Enjoy today’s read!

God’s people go through a lot. We make decisions to go all in on serving the Lord and things just don’t go as planned. We expect our commitment to God to be met with ease and blessing.

Somewhere along the way, our enthusiasm wanes and we might even step away from the Lord.

In the book of Nehemiah, God’s people chose to leave the comfort of Babylon to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. God was with them all the way, but it sure didn’t always feel like it. 

This verse should be in every believer’s memory. You’ll need it often because even in the center of God’s will you’re going to struggle. Like these guys, and even this guy.

In Neh. 8, having been through incredible challenges, hardships, stress, and sacrifice their faith was tested and, to be honest, things were understandably shaky.

That happens in our walk with Jesus. We go all in for Him and at times feel deeply let down. Let’s not hyper-spiritualize our faith. A worthy walk with Jesus can be discouraging at times. 

But two things happened that turned things around. In Neh. 8:1-8 they saturated themselves in God’s word. As busy as they were for the Lord, they were neglecting meaningful time with Him.

We do that too. A dusty Bible leads to distance from the Lord.

What happened as a result was a statement every believer quotes often but rarely in context Neh. 8:10. It’s what came before it that set the context: weeping and sorrow (Neh. 8:9).

Yes, it was rough, things didn’t go as planned, you’ve grown distant from Lord. But it won’t be  “better times” that causes your joy to return, it will be recovering time in the word.

The other thing that really turned things around is not as obvious but it’s in Neh. 9:5-10, the whole chapter really.

They began to recall their salvation history. The bondage of your past, then your point of conversion, and the new life in Christ that followed. It wasn’t always easy then either.

Start by giving God praise and honor no matter what v. 5-6. Then recall His favor in your life when you were called out of paganism into God’s family, from heathenism to inheritance v. 7!

Remember God’s faithfulness. The fulfilling of His promises don’t depend upon you, they depend upon God v. 8. And relish in what He rescued you from and the freedom you now have v. 9-10.

You are the beneficiary of God’s goodness even if the path right now is hard. You’re also not alone.

Whatever has made you distant from God, saturating yourself in His word and recalling your salvation (His)story is a good place to start. I pray this will be the gentle nudge you needed 😊

Down in the GO DEEPER section you’ll find some stuff to help you, well, go deeper! Enjoy.

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GO DEEPER with Today’s Read:

1. While you consider the great promise to Abraham, remember the exceeding great and precious promises God made to us (2 Pet. 1:2-4). How many can you name, and then praise God for? Counting your blessings is a quick way to closing the distance you feel with God.

2. Here are some: (Phil. 1:6, 1 John 1:9, John 14:1-3, 27, Heb. 13:5-6, John 14:15-18, 21, Phil. 4:6-7). Take a few minutes and add some more.

3. When we need some Red Sea of impossibility parted in our lives, let us recall the Christ we call upon who hears the cry of the destitute (Psa. 102:17). Then be still, know that He is God (Psa. 46:10) and rest in the promise that He is present and will help (Psa. 46:1).

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