Our Heart
Return * Revive * Rejoice
There is a story in the Bible about a man name Nehemiah. He was a man of God that suffered from a broken heart because the city walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed and the people scattered. He felt called by God to return to the city and restore its walls. The process of his journey was extensive. Beginning with prayer, Nehemiah grew to understand his need, learned his history and discovered where things had gone wrong. He learned how to rely on God to direct him, he gathered people to support him, he learned how to combat adversity, he saw victory, and he grew in awareness of God and self, resulting in rejoicing and praise.
Much like Nehemiah’s city walls, wounds and disappointments have damaged our lives. We long to have our lives restored and revived. The original design for our lives has been broken down resulting in dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about God, others, and ourselves. This leaves us vulnerable to adversities and defeated lives.
The restored walls of Jerusalem provided security and freedom for the people of God. They were safe to live within the boundaries of the walls and be protected from the enemies who wanted to destroy them. Just like in Nehemiah’s day, God wants to restore the ruined walls of our lives. Isaiah (61:1-4) tells us that God has given us good news. Jesus wants to bind up our broken hearts, give us freedom from captivity and darkness, set us free to live, and provide for those who mourn and grieve,
“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and the garment of praise instead of the spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” (NIV )
“’I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD,” (Jeremiah 30:17).
Just as God called Nehemiah to restore the walls of Jerusalem to their original design, God wants to restore hearts to their original design. He has a unique plan for each individual, marriage, and family. Awareness of God and self allows us to grow in wholeness and maturity. We are called to return to God and allow Him to revive our hearts, which enables us to fully rejoice.