Contemplative Bible Reading

Nehemiah 9:36-37 (New Living Translation)

36 “So now today we are slaves in the land of plenty that you gave our ancestors for their enjoyment! We are slaves here in this good land. 37 The lush produce of this land piles up in the hands of the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They have power over us and our livestock. We serve them at their pleasure, and we are in great misery.”

Nehemiah is praying. His prayer is,

God, we are in a bad situation because what we did just didn’t work.

In hindsight, of course this is what he prayed. The situation of the Jews was the obvious result of centuries of stubborn disobedience. They didn’t fully receive what they really deserved, but they were justly punished.

Take away the hindsight and look in a mirror today. Am I in a less-than-desired position? How is my life working out for me? What is the reason? Who is to blame (if I want to assign blame)?

Oh, me.