Too Much Rubble
Sometimes life seems overwhelming. The burdens are too great. Physical and emotional barriers surround us. Exhaustion sets in. How do you describe those seasons in your life? There may be too much rubble!
The phrase it’s complicated seems to be used often today. I’m afraid it’s one of those catch-all terms that basically says there’s complexity, but you don’t have the energy or time to explain the details. However, in the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, we hear the prophet, Nehemiah, also use a unique phrase to describe his tough situation. He says there’s too much rubble.
Nehemiah finds himself in a literal pile of debris or rubble. The wall surrounding Jerusalem has been destroyed. Nehemiah is tasked with rebuilding the broken wall. The Jews, along with Nehemiah, are determined to work, rebuild the wall, and once again protect the city. But in Nehemiah 4:10, we find the people faltering. It says, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There’s too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.”
Do you ever feel that way? You are working so hard to clean up the mess, but don’t seem to be making progress. Your methods aren’t working. It’s too much for one person. There’s too much rubble.
There’s Strength in Community
The point of this story in Nehemiah, is that he discovered he didn’t have to be a lone ranger. God had a plan for this rebuilding project. The plan was hard work, prayer, the power of God, and the strength of community.
When rubble piles up in our lives, it’s easy to become fearful and overwhelmed. But Nehemiah encourages us in Nehemiah 4:14. “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.”
Read all of Nehemiah, chapter 4, to discover the unique way that the people worked on the wall while protecting it from their enemies. Just like Nehemiah, we need to lean into the potential available to us through God and others. With the assistance of both, we can work, pray, defend, and complete the task set before us.
Dear Lord, sometimes life just seems like one problem after another. It’s easy to be become paralyzed with of fear and uncertainty. Help me to remember the book of Nehemiah and how he solved the problem of too much rubble. Help me call upon Your name and my community for help. May the world be amazed how power, protection, and results, are supernaturally displayed. Amen!
Questions to Consider:
- What is causing rubble in your life?
- Are you trying to clean up your rubble by yourself? What can you learn from Nehemiah’s approach to rebuilding the wall?