A Heart for God’s People

By Dee Davis | Divine Inspirations

Devotional

Scripture Focus: Nehemiah 2:1-8 (NLT)

Have you ever experienced a burden so heavy on your heart that you couldn’t shake it? Maybe it’s a deep concern that stirs within your spirit—a burden rooted in your love for God’s people. Nehemiah felt this kind of burden when he heard about the broken walls of Jerusalem. He wasn’t just sad; his heart was grieved, and it showed on his face (Nehemiah 2:1-2).

But Nehemiah didn’t rush into action. Instead, he disciplined himself in prayer. He prayed, declared, and decreed—seeking God’s favor before taking any steps. He asked for success and favor before the king (Nehemiah 2:4-5). Nehemiah’s dedication to prayer opened the door for God to move, granting him permission and provision to rebuild the walls.

Discipline Yourself in Prayer

When God places a burden on your heart, it’s not just a fleeting feeling. No matter what it is! Especially during the perilous times.

It is a call for YOU to intercede.

Like Nehemiah, we must learn to take that burden to the Lord in prayer. Discipline yourself to:

1. Pray Consistently: Don’t allow discouragement to hinder your prayers. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12, NIV).

2. Declare Boldly: Speak life over the situation, trusting God’s promises. “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV).

3. Decree with Authority: Stand firm in faith, decreeing God’s will over the circumstances. “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you” (Job 22:28, NKJV).

What Has God Placed on Your Heart?

God often places burdens on our hearts as a call to action through prayer. Perhaps it’s a family member who needs salvation, a community issue, or a ministry vision. Whatever it may be, align yourself with God’s will through disciplined prayer.

When you humble yourself and seek God’s guidance, He will open doors just as He did for Nehemiah. Your burden can become the catalyst for transformation when handled with prayer and faith.

Pray, Declare, and Decree!

Believer, don’t ignore the burden God has placed on your heart. Discipline yourself in prayer! Speak life, declare God’s promises, and decree His will over every situation. Just as Nehemiah found favor to rebuild, you too will find God’s provision when you pray with purpose and passion.

Be blessed.