Day 35 – July 5, 2025
55-day Devotional Journey – Day 35

Scripture
From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me. Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!" So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. At that time I also said to the people, "Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day." Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.
Nehemiah 4:16-23 (NIV)

Reflection:
In Nehemiah 4, the people were committed to building the wall, but they were also aware of the threats surrounding them. They didn't let the work blind them to danger. Half the people built, while the others stood guard. Even those who worked kept a weapon close at hand. Their dedication was not only to the task but to the protection of what God had entrusted to them. They understood: success is not just about finishing the work, it's about guarding the work from anything that could compromise it.

This principle spoke to me during my seminary years. My wife Carol and I were both full-time students, juggling classes, ministry, and part-time work. We were constantly busy, always moving, but quietly growing distant. Though we lived under the same roof, we were drifting apart emotionally and spiritually. A pastoral mentor visiting from out of town gently reminded us: "Don't lose your marriage in the middle of ministry. Guard what God has already given." That conversation helped us reset our priorities. We made space for intentional time together. Slowly, our connection deepened again.

Busyness, especially in ministry, can seem productive. But if we fail to protect our relationships, our joy, or our spiritual health, the work we build can begin to crack from within. Nehemiah's example reminds us: we are not just builders, we are guardians too.

Reflection Question:
Is there something God has entrusted to you, your family, your calling, your soul, that needs guarding today? What step can you take to protect it?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the work You've given me to do. Help me not to lose sight of the people and promises You've already placed in my care. Teach me to be both diligent and watchful, so that I may honor You in every area of life. In Jesus' Name, amen.

By Pastor James Su