Building castles in the sand was a favourite seaside activity for my young family. With buckets and shovels, we spent many pleasurable hours sculpting elaborate castles, complete with towers and moats. The best castle-making sand was usually below the tide line so if we waited long enough, we would see the water creep up the beach until our castle was demolished by encroaching waves.

Is it possible to rebuild after a crisis has demolished our world, like waves toppling a sandcastle? The death of a loved one, financial setbacks, broken relationships, a health crisis ˗˗ such trials often seem irredeemable. When things look the most hopeless is the exact time to remember our God is a re-builder, specializing in redeeming lives and giving second chances.

The Old Testament book of Nehemiah contains key principles on rebuilding after a crisis. Nehemiah was one of many Israelites in exile in Babylon. He served the king of Persia as a cup bearer, yet when he learned of the damage done to his beloved home city of Jerusalem, he longed to return there to see what he could do to restore it. He first fasted and prayed to God (Nehemiah ch.1), for His help with the daunting task ahead. Nehemiah shows us that when our problems seem insurmountable, surrendering them to God and seeking His aid is an important first step toward rebuilding.

God’s gracious hand was on Nehemiah when the king of Persia granted him permission to travel to Jerusalem. He carefully assessed the damage to its walls, then invited other returned exiles to join him. “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” (Neh.2:17 NIV)  The third chapter of Nehemiah gives a detailed list of those who worked together to reconstruct key sections of the wall. They laboured until all of it reached half its height, “for the people worked with all their heart.” (Neh.4:6)

Rebuilding is often a community endeavour, requiring a heartfelt effort. As believers, we are not alone. Although humbling, we can ask those in the family of God to walk with us as we work to put the pieces of our shattered lives back together. Often the Lord brings people to our side to help when we are too distraught to ask for it.

Like Nehemiah in chapter 4, we sometimes encounter opposition and discouragement in our efforts to recover. Again Nehemiah prayed to God, who inspired him with a plan to have some of the people stand guard against those who wanted to destroy the wall, while others worked on it. The wall was repaired in 52 days, a great feat considering it was estimated to be 2 ½ miles long, 39 feet high, and 8 feet thick. Even their enemies lost their confidence, “because they realized that this work had been done with the help of the Lord.” (Neh.6:16) After the wall was finished, the Book of the Law of God was read. When the Israelites wept as they listened, Nehemiah told them, “This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Neh.8:10)

When it seems your wall has come tumbling down and all you see is dust and rubble, remember the lessons of Nehemiah. It is possible that your life can be rebuilt, not as it once was, but when you seek the Lord first, with a commitment to walk in His ways, He can make it even stronger and more joyful than ever.

       “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.” ~ Psalm 127:1