Nehemiah 7

“After the wall had been rebuilt and I (Nehemiah) had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, the musicians and the Levites were appointed. I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do. I said to them. ‘The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.’” Nehemiah 7:1-3 NIV

What stood out to me in the above verses is that Nehemiah took additional steps to ensure that the work they had just completed (the rebuilding of the Temple) would remain strong. His actions in maintaining the security of the Temple was quick and occurred right after the walls had been rebuilt. He appointed qualified people for the positions required, and though guards were on duty, he still ordered to have the doors barred, preventing the entrance of enemies.

This reminded me of the importance in ensuring the security and safety of our hearts. Our hearts are weak and we are fallible. Have we taken the required steps in its security? Have we placed ‘gatekeepers’ that sound alarms to point out to us when the enemy is attacking? Have we properly barred our hearts, to prevent the entrance of that which is unhealthy or destructive?

May we put in place the required steps to protect our hearts from the enemy. And may it be said of us, as it was for Hananiah, that we too have integrity and fear God more than most people do.