But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our Godand set a guard as a protection against them day and night. In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

Ever have a project where everything you tried just uncovered more problems? We all have had experiences like this as described in the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. Too much rubble! Those who were against the project banded together to make sure that we were aware of all the problems.

But Nehemiah rallied the troops by pointing out that the Fear of the LORD, God, the Almighty was more than sufficient to protect them against the fear of their enemies. Let this be our guiding principle in all the challenges of life.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 117

Mid-day: 119:153-160

Evening: Psalm 43

Please address comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  All Scripture is taken from the ESV unless otherwise noted. A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/52-general-downloads. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.