Give Me the Bad News First

Read Nehemiah 1:1–2:10

1. Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence.
2. So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified,
3. but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
4. The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven,
5. I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” . . .
6. After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request. Nehemiah 2:1-6

Brenda got a phone call today and found out that her sister is financially strapped, has lost her job, and wrecked her car. Bad news aplenty, with no easy solutions in sight. What should Brenda do? Get depressed? Get a loan? Get a stiff drink?

Though Nehemiah lives in Babylon, he’s a Jew and he’s concerned about his homeland. When he gets the reports of how the settlers are doing, it’s all bad news. He’s heard from home and everything’s a wreck. But Nehemiah doesn’t despair or distract himself—he takes action. In this passage, learn from Nehemiah’s example about how to respond to bad news.

Nehemiah teaches us three other lessons: how to care for people; praying for success; and asking for help.

Nehemiah was deeply grieved about the condition of Jerusalem, but he didn’t just brood about it. After his initial grief, he prayed, pouring his heart out to God (Nehemiah 1:4-11) and looking for ways to improve the situation. Nehemiah put all his resources—his knowledge, experience, and organization—into figuring out what should be done.

That’s how we should confront bad news, too, responding with trust in God, belief in his sovereignty, and then constructive action.

When tragic or difficult news comes to you, don’t wallow in self-pity or merely run and try to hide. First pray. Then seek ways to move beyond your grief to specific action that will help those who need it, including yourself.