Write It Down

“In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement in writing on a sealed document.” —Nehemiah 9:38

In the book of Nehemiah, we read about a great revival God sent to the exiles who had returned to Israel. The revival was birthed when the congregation gathered to listen to Ezra the priest read the Word of God in a service that lasted most of the day, continued for another seven days, and then resumed two weeks later.

Nehemiah 9 records a long prayer of corporate confession made by the repentant Israelites. The prayer concludes: “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement in writing” (v. 38). The details of the covenant they made include promises to obey God in such matters as marriage, Sabbath observance, and tithing. By writing out and signing the covenant, they became more accountable for their response to the Word they had heard.

My own journals include many such responses to the Word of God. Many are prayers—of thanksgiving, praise, confession, repentance, intercession, or supplication. Writing this down has been of immense help to me in my walk with God.