May 9, 2026 - Nehemiah 7-13

The exiles returned, the public reading of the law and festivals observed, national confession of sin, a national vow to be faithful, the resettling of Jerusalem, the reestablishment of the priests, the dedication of the wall, and final reforms under Nehemiah.  God has made good on his promise to bring the people back home.  Surely, now they will be faithful and love him supremely.  After all, God has done so much for them!  God will remain faithful, and that is Israel’s hope and ours.  The story continues . . .

O thou from whom all goodness flows,

I lift my soul to thee;

In all my sorrows, conflicts, woes,

Good Lord, remember me.

When on my aching, burdened heart

My sins lie heavily,

Thy pardon grant, new peace impart:

Good Lord, remember me.

When trials sore obstruct my way,

And ills I cannot flee,

O let my strength be as my day:

Good Lord, remember me.   -- Thomas Haweis (1791)