Now Strengthen My Hands

Day 1: Now strengthen my hands.

“But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” Nehemiah 6:9

To this simple prayer, I would add, “Lord, strengthen not just my hands but my heart and soul.” I can think of specific seasons, particularly when my sons were little, that simple prayers were my fastest track to accessing much needed divine strength. This early stage of my children’s development left me feeling worn out. Of course, I loved them to pieces but those first years being at home with young ones exhausted my spirit.

“Do you really need a snack AGAIN? You just ate!” (insert eye-roll)

I recently found some journal entries from that season and am so thankful for those written memories, These memories have become precious reminders that children don’t stay little forever and that the struggle I felt as a young mom was temporary. I often wonder if I would have those memories if I hadn’t written them down. (#MomBrain)

One of my favorite Bible heroes is Nehemiah. I love how he was in the battle to protect the life of his people. He knew that there was no way he could manage this immense task without calling on the God of the Universe. The chips were stacked pretty high against him. So Nehemiah cried out to God. “Now strengthen my hands.” (v. 9) God faithfully showed up for Nehemiah and gave him the wisdom, energy, and strength he needed for this difficult work.

When encountering various challenges, we can “tap out” but all we need to do is ask the God of all Creation to strengthen our hands. We can call out to the One who gives us more wisdom, more courage, and more strength in times of our greatest need. You can return to Him again and again about the SAME thing. He never gets tired of hearing our voice. As our loving Father, He wants to help us. No matter what we face in life, those four prayer words can be a pressure release point for our souls.

Reflection

Where do you need more of God’s strength today? Take a minute and settle in and invite God’s presence into your space, and then reflect on the following prayer.

Prayer

Lord, strengthen my hands today. We are so thankful that we can cry out to you and know that you not only hear us but love us deeply and will see us through whatever lies ahead. Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen.