Nehemiah 11-12

“Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks” (12:31).  Jerusalem was being rebuilt, both Temple and walls, yet the situation was precarious. The people “cast lots” (ch 11) to assign families to move into Jerusalem, and the brave people who “willingly offered” (11:2) were applauded. Amidst the dangers, Nehemiah celebrated the wall’s completion and praised God. He brought Levitical musicians to the city “to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres” (12:27).

“And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away” (12:43). Giving thanks shifts our focus from our limitations to God’s great power, replacing our fears with joy.