In Nehemiah, chapter two, verse eight, the hand of the Lord upon Nehemiah meant at least five things to him. He was sharing God’s purposes, as in chapter one. God was actively guiding him in verse twelve. God was granting him His favor and help, as in verse eighteen and Hebrews four, verse sixteen. God was with him, enabling him to prosper and succeed in the work of God, as in verse twenty, Luke twenty-four, verse fifty. He felt renewed courage and faith in God, as in chapter four, verse fourteen, and verse twenty.
Nehemiah requested from the king letters to the governors beyond (west of) the river (Euphrates) to allow him to travel unmolested through their provinces to Judah and let them give him and get permission to pass or travel through a country.
Nehemiah was dedicated to the purpose of God when the news came to him about the current life experiences of the people in Jerusalem. The result of hearing such misfortune brought sadness and compassion to pray and address the Lord about the matter. Nehemiah specifically told the Lord how he felt. He acknowledges God for who He is and is capable of helping the people. In the prayer to God from Nehemiah, he shows his reaction in chapter one, verse four, then prays to what he wants God to hear and do in verses five to the end of chapter one.
Today, believers should take the same approach from the example and learn from it. Nehemiah channels his concerns over the people and not himself. We tend to address selfish prayers for our well-being, and when we hear things happening to people around us we know, we react with the public response instead of addressing them in private to the Lord. Let us as believers address God today in whatever negative things involving those we love and care for, and allow Him to grant us favor and work on our behalf. However, we must give God thanks and praise when He does accomplish His will.