“And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man [Jesus] has done nothing wrong.” – Luke 23:41 

Scripture reading: Nehemiah 9:33-38

This long confession of sin by the Israelites in Nehemiah 9 has so much to teach us about a relationship with God and trusting God in this life. When we know our good God and know our own ugly sin, can we still trust God, even when He allows trouble and hardship for us? The Israelites knew the horrors of war; many lost grandparents, aunts and uncles and grew up with deep wounds due to the exile into Babylon.

When we face such things the temptation is to be bitter and to grumble. But notice their confession in verse 33: “Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully, and we have acted wickedly.” There is neither entitlement nor anger against God, but trust. God was mercifully working in this.

What we need is for the Lord to help us be at peace in our situations and to trust His mercy going forward. What do we do when we feel we have been wronged, when we feel we are not getting a fair deal, when we suspect God does not care about us and our situation? Remember who we are and who our God is. Don’t judge God by our perceptions and feelings. Rather, trust God. He is holy. This means God is not sloppy in the ways He cares for His children; God does not put His children through trials for no reason. God is good and wise, and we are like restless children. When we are still and know He is our God, we can have peace.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for peace in your own heart. Take time also to pray for people around you who have faced serious hardships, that they may continue to trust God.

Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.