DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
READ: Nehemiah 4 (Focus vs. 6-14)
MEMORY VERSE
“By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild
the wall. . . . Remember the Lord, who is great
and awesome.” Nehemiah 4:10, 14 esv
BACKGROUND
Elise felt the panic rising. The book layout was due the next day, but the printer had rejected the photos. It could take days to sort it out.
“Don’t worry,” said her husband, Sam. “Let’s ask God for help. Then we’ll work through the night. This software might help us fix the photos quickly.”
As they prayed, Elise started to feel more assured. Just keep looking to God, she told herself. With this God-given peace of mind and Sam’s practical tip, she went to work—and completed the task in time.
As she did so, Elise recalled the Israelites’ mammoth task of rebuilding their city wall (Nehemiah 4). As if it wasn’t difficult enough, enemies mocked them and conspired to sabotage their work. But Nehemiah encouraged them to keep looking to God.
“By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall,” Judah said, but Nehemiah replied, “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome.” (vv. 10, 14 esv). Then he deployed the men to work on the wall and guard against attackers, with leaders behind them (v. 16).
He also encouraged them, saying, “Our God will fight for us” (v. 20).
Whenever we face overwhelming challenges, let’s keep looking to God for help and strength. We can pray for wisdom to find practical solutions, take the necessary steps, and trust in God for the outcome—whatever it might be.
Leslie Koh*
INSIGHT
A central theme in the grand narrative of Scripture is that God is a God of rescue. In Nehemiah 4, the wise decisions and prayers of God’s people countered the plots of their enemies, resulting in safety (vv. 8-9).
In Exodus 2, the Israelites “cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God” (v. 23). He heard “their groaning” and “remembered his covenant . . . . [He] looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them” (vv. 24-25).
Today, when we’re faced with the menacing challenges of life, we can remember how great and awesome God is and trust in Him.
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
What challenges are you facing? What will help you keep your eyes on God, and what will you pray for?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s
Post)
“Whenever we face overwhelming challenges, let’s keep looking to God for help and strength. We can pray for wisdom to find practical solutions, take the necessary steps, and trust in God for the outcome—whatever it might be.”
PR’s TAKE
“Keep trusting God. He is always in control even when (our) circumstances may seem out of control.” Anonymous
“I will trust you, God. I will trust in your plan. I will trust in your timing. I will trust in you no matter what happens.” Maree Dee
PRAYER
“All-powerful, all-loving God, no matter how big my task, I can rely on Your help and strength. Please teach me to keep trusting in You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“STILL IN CONTROL” Mack Brock
How can I say it is well
When my voice can barely speak?
How can I sing You a song
In the midst of suffering?
Jesus, will You meet me here?
Let Your peace wash over me
‘Cause I need You now more than ever
Teach my soul to sing
My God is still in control
And still He reigns on His throne
Though mountains may tremble and sea billows roll
I’ll sing it is well with my soul
My God is still in control
You have not left me alone
Though the world has let me down
All of my sorrow and pain
I will trade it for a crown
Thank You for staying with me
When the night was closing in
Whatever my lot, You are still God
I will sing again
My God is still in control
And still He reigns on His throne
Though mountains may tremble and sea billows roll
I’ll sing it is well with my soul
My God is still in control
And it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul…
My God is still in control
My God is still in control
