Read Nehemiah 9
I remember attending a summer youth camp in Tennessee when I was about fifteen and being completely broken about who I was. Sin was present in my life, and I needed a savior.
For the first time in my life, I became aware of God’s goodness and faithfulness. He stayed with me, beside me, and guided me through those teenage years of a doubting faith and long periods of my unfaithfulness to Him.
I had been living as if unaware of His existence, yet He never once left me. And this good news broke me in the best way. That brokenness turned into joy, and I worshiped like never before.
In many ways, I see the similarities between my life and the people of Israel. They were constantly sliding backward in their commitment to God, brokenness, repenting, then thanking God as He redeems, restores, and provides.
In Nehemiah chapter 9, the Israelites are broken. They begin to confess their sins to each other and repent not only for their sin, but the sins of the generations before them. This continues for several hours, and then they begin to praise God for his faithfulness and His goodness.
The repentance and worship persist amongst the Israelites for many more hours. As this scene plays out, we get a picture of genuine confession and true worship that comes from a place of brokenness.
When we realize our brokenness, our sin, our need for a Savior, and the goodness and faithfulness of God to save and redeem us—our only response is worship. He is our hope and endless source of joy.
Take a moment and thank God for all that He has done for you. Worship Him.
Blessings
VC Devotionals 