God, Remember Me!

“Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.”
Nehemiah 5:19 NLT

Have you ever wished that people knew all that you do each day? Have you ever wished that your family realized everything you do to make their life better? Have you ever wished you were more recognized?

If you skipped reading the verse at the beginning, please go back and read it. This verse seems a little obscure and strange when you first read it. Right? Doesn’t it seem selfish that Nehemiah would remind God to remember what he has done? Should we really do something like that?
The longer I have thought about this verse, the more I appreciate what Nehemiah did. Nehemiah actually does what we all should be doing. Instead of looking for recognition from other people, hoping that people will realize how great we are. we should be simply trusting that God knows what we have done and he will reward or maybe judge us accordingly. Our motivation for doing the right things should not be about the people we are doing it for, our motivation should be simply pleasing and being obedient to God. If that is true, then it will not matter if anyone on earth notices.
I love how Nehemiah ends his prayer, “And bless me for it.” This is not a presumptive statement. Nehemiah knows that God loves him and knows his heart attitude for his actions. He is simply asking that God would be pleased with his obedience. I think that God is pleased when we come to him with an open and truthful heart.
Let me wrap up by asking you a question. Where have you been looking for recognition? From people or God? People will always leave you wanting more. Trusting God with your heart and actions will bring far more fulfillment.

-Pastor Tim