Unless we are hermits living in caves and not reading this, we get bad news. It comes from the TV box, radio, media outlets, emails, letters, and conversations. Natural disasters in Asia. Riots and uprisings in Europe. Crime and corruption in America. And sometimes sickness and death in our own families. Bad news is a part of life, but how we respond to it is part of the abundant life.
Nehemiah left us an example of how to respond to bad news. While serving in the Persian palace in Susa, Nehemiah received a report on the work in Jerusalem. It said the remnant was “in great trouble and shame.” Israel’s enemies and time had broken down the walls, burned the gates, and victimized the people.
Even though Nehemiah was far away, love for his people weighed heavily on him. Nehemiah commented on his situation, “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Neh 1:4).
Putting Things in Order
The first thing Nehemiah did was sit down. When bad news comes, we need to stop and take time to process the situation. Does the news directly affect us or only tangentially? Is it bad because it annoys us, or bad because it harms us (or someone we love)? Can we fix it? Analyze bad news before acting on it. News can go from bad to worse if there is an improper response.
The next thing Nehemiah did was weep and mourn. Sometimes we try to suppress our natural response to bad news, but we need the catharsis of allowing ourselves time to grieve. Tears not only wash the eyes, they wash the heart.
Nehemiah then turned to fasting, a practice designed to disconnect us from the world so we can focus on God without distraction.
Finally, Nehemiah turned to prayer. After disconnecting from the world, we need to connect with God through prayer.
Nehemiah gives us a perfect example of how to deal with bad news.
Preaching Minister
