From Splendor to Shadow

Nehemiah Waits for God's Opportunity

Four months Nehemiah waited to present his request to the king. Though his heart was heavy with grief, he endeavored to be cheerful in the royal presence. In those halls of luxury all must appear light-hearted and happy. But in Nehemiah's seasons of retirement, concealed from human sight, many were the prayers and tears heard and witnessed by God and angels. SS 326.1

At length sleepless nights and care-filled days left their trace on his countenance. The king, jealous for his own safety, was accustomed to read countenances and to penetrate disguises. He saw that some secret trouble was preying on his cupbearer. “Why is thy countenance sad,” he inquired, “seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart.” SS 326.2

Would not the king be angry that while outwardly engaged in his service, the courtier's thoughts had been far away with his afflicted people? His cherished plan for restoring Jerusalem—was it about to be overthrown? “Then,” he writes, “I was very sore afraid.” With tearful eyes he revealed the cause of his sorrow: “Why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchers, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?” SS 326.3

The sympathy of the monarch was awakened. “For what dost thou make request?” SS 326.4

The man of God did not venture to reply till he had sought direction from One higher than Artaxerxes. He required help from the king, and he realized that much depended on his presenting the matter in such a way as to enlist his aid. “I prayed,” he said, “to the God of heaven.” In that brief prayer Nehemiah pressed into the presence of the King of kings and won to his side a power that can turn hearts as the rivers of waters are turned. SS 326.5

Toilers in the busy walks of life, almost overwhelmed with perplexity, can send up a petition to God for divine guidance. Travelers when threatened with some great danger can commit themselves to Heaven's protection. In times of sudden difficulty the heart may send up its cry for help to One who has pledged to come to the aid of His believing ones when they call on Him. The soul fiercely assailed by temptation may find support in the unfailing power and love of a covenant-keeping God. SS 327.1