“So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days.” (Nehemiah 2:11, ESV)
When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he spent three days. It is an intriguing number. You might remember another three significant days in Jerusalem that would happen a few hundred years later. It was the three days that Jesus spent in the tomb.
Sometimes the best course of action is inaction. It is to do nothing. Nehemiah comes to town. He observes. He waits. He anticipates.
Patience! It is one of the fruits of the Spirit. But we are always in such a rush. I am a member of Amazon Prime. We can order something in the morning, and it will arrive on our doorstep before the end of the day. It is convenient. It is a luxury. But there are very few things we really need that soon.
As Americans, we are not good at waiting. We have instant everything. But waiting is good. Good things come to those who wait. When you have a big decision to make, it is good to sleep on it. Make a decision and then live with that decision before you execute the decision.
Let me give you an example. Maybe you are buying a new car. If you ever go to a car dealership, you know they try to make the deal before you leave. But there is a reason that they push you to make the decision. And if you make the deal before you leave, you will often be left with buyer’s remorse.
Wise decisions are rarely rushed. Take your time and don’t rush your life away.
Reflection
- Is there a time when you rushed into a decision you later regretted?
- How do you avoid making poor and hasty decisions?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for every hour you give to me. Help me to enjoy each moment, living in your pleasure. Give me patience with the decisions I make. Give me your wisdom to see each circumstance for what it is. Amen.
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