Just Stop and Think

Daily Reading:  Nehemiah 5

I took counsel with myself...  (Nehemiah 5.7)

Devotional Thought: We've all heard the phrase, "Count to ten..."  Sometimes, when we are overwhelmed with anger or disappointment, the best thing for us to do is to hold our tongues.  Nehemiah found himself in that situation.  When he was informed about the abuse of certain people, he was very angry.  But, before he said anything, he had to stop and think.  He said, "I took counsel with myself."  That's a good principle for us, isn't it?  There are times - and not just when we are indignant - when we need to take counsel with ourselves.

As you take counsel with yourself...

• Evaluate yourself with God's pleasure in mind.  "Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God?" (9). The people of Nehemiah's day had to get honest, seeing themselves in light of God's word.  Who am I trying to please?  If it is not God, then my motives are suspect!

• Identify yourself with God's purpose.  Nehemiah "shook out the fold of [his] garment" (13), disavowing the practices of his fellow citizens.  Ask yourself, "Am I more concerned about popularity or holiness?"  Friendship with the world is enmity toward God!

• Unite yourself with God's people.  "All the assembly said, 'Amen'" (13).  Each person publicly joined the others in seeking God's pleasure and purpose.  Taking council with ourselves must take into consideration our impact on others and their impact on us.

• Hold yourself accountable to your promises.  "The people did as they had promised" (13).  Self-evaluation is pointless unless it leads to change.  Be doers of the word and not hearers only.

Prayer: Lord, when passions flare and indignation flows, help me to take council with myself.  In my anger, may I not sin but rather surrender to you.  Help me to be brutally honest with myself so that I may be pleasing in your sight.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 106:44-48

44 Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry;

45 for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented.

46 He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy.

47 Save us, LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.

48 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD.