If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth; If I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.” – Psalm 137:5-6
Have you ever been so wrapped up in your own life that you forget what matters most to God? Nehemiah didn’t. He lived in Shushan, the capital city of Persia, and even resided in the citadel—the king’s fortified palace. Nehemiah held a position of importance, living in comfort and luxury, but his heart wasn’t in Persia. It was 800 miles away in Jerusalem, a city he had never seen. Despite his status, Nehemiah was deeply concerned about God’s people and God’s city. What about you? Do you care about the things that matter to God?
In Nehemiah 1:2, we see him asking for news about Jerusalem. Nehemiah wasn’t just curious; he was truly invested in the well-being of the city and its people. His privileged position could have made him indifferent, but his heart was aligned with God’s heart. He reflected the spirit of Psalm 137:5-6, where the psalmist expressed a deep love for Jerusalem, saying, “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!” Nehemiah understood that what was important to God should be important to him as well.
The question for us today is: Do we care about what God cares about? We might be busy with our careers, responsibilities, or even the comforts of life, but are our hearts aligned with His? Nehemiah chose to seek out news of Jerusalem because he was invested in God’s priorities. What are we seeking? Are we too focused on our own lives, or do we desire to know and care about the things that are in God’s heart?
Take a moment to reflect. Like Nehemiah, we are called to have a heart for God’s people and His purposes. It’s easy to become distracted by the demands of life, but God calls us to care about what He cares about. Let’s ask ourselves, “Am I aligned with God’s heart, or am I more concerned with my world?” May we be stirred, like Nehemiah, to care for and act on the things that matter most to God.
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to lose sight of what matters most to You. I don’t want to be consumed by my life and forget Your heart. Teach me to care about the things You care about. Align my heart with Yours, and give me the desire to pursue Your priorities. I ask for Your guidance and strength as I act on the burdens You place on my heart
