'Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you."

In response to the trouble, disgrace, and ruins of the city and the people/families of God, Nehemiah weeps. He mourns. He has godly sorrow. And he confesses the sins of his people--including himself and his family.

Later the king asks Nehemiah,

"2b . . . 'Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.'

I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, 'May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?'"

Nehemiah is sad about what has happened to his city and his people. This would lead him to take action to help his people. But note that first, he is sad about his sin and his family's sin. He had what is called "godly sorrow."

Like Nehemiah, I confess my own sinfulness. This has led me to make plenty of mistakes in my life. Mistakes that have affected my life. Mistakes that have affected my family. Choices that I wish that I could take back. Things that have at times left my hopes and dreams and, at times, relationships that are dear to me, at least temporarily in "ruins." Perhaps you have at times done the same.

Nehemiah is a great comeback story and a great triumph, and there is much that we can learn from this story that is incredibly positive. But before we can join with that triumphant story, we must have godly sorrow for our sin and whatever part we have played in bringing about "trouble," "disgrace," and ruin to our lives and our families. 

If we acknowledge this, then the God of Israel, who keeps his "covenant of love," like Nehemiah will reach out to lift us up. This begins with godly sorrow for our sins and prayer.

What do you think of Nehemiah's prayer? What can sin do to our lives and our relationships? How does God respond to our confession of sin and godly sorrow?