The Good Hand of God

Four months passed between Nehemiah’s prayer in chapter 1 and the king’s question in chapter 2: “Why is thy countenance sad?” Four months of waiting, praying, and carrying a burden no one else in the palace could see. When the moment finally came, Nehemiah was afraid — “Then I was very sore afraid” (Nehemiah 2:2) — but he was also ready.

Watch the rhythm of his response. The king asks, “For what dost thou make request?” and before answering, Nehemiah tells us: “So I prayed to the God of heaven” (v. 4). An arrow prayer, fired in the space of a breath, between a king’s question and a servant’s answer. The four months of praying in secret made the split-second prayer instinctive.

Twice in this chapter Nehemiah explains his success the same way: “according to the good hand of my God upon me” (vv. 8, 18). Royal letters, timber from the king’s forest, safe passage — he saw every provision as grace, not luck.

Today’s question: When opportunity suddenly opens, is prayer your reflex? Spend time with God in secret today, so that the arrow prayers are ready when you need them.