With hearts both strong and true

When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work.  From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail; and the leaders stood behind all the house of Judah,  who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were laden in such a way that each with one hand labored on the work and with the other held his weapon. And each of the builders had his sword girded at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” (Nehemiah 4:15-20)

O God of all creation help the people of the nation of Kenya to arise one and all, with their hearts both strong and true. Arising is one thing, to continue standing in the face of adversity and opposition is another. That is why we ask for hearts both strong and true. We ask for resolve, commitment, focus and absolute abandon to the task ahead.

The people rebuilding the wall were faced with immense opposition, but they did not stop building. They re-strategised, to keep safe and continue building: Strong heart. True heart is a result of our relationship with God. He who is the foundation of our faith, He to whom we pray every time we sing the Kenya National Anthem: “The Way, the Truth, and the Life”.  Our hearts have to be both strong and true if we are going to arise and keep arisen – one and all.

Prayer:

O God of all creation, give us strong and true hearts. Hearts that are wholly dependent and obedient to you. Hearts that will stand in the face of opposition, pressure and adversity. Hearts that seek to honor you in all things: hearts both strong and true.  In Jesus Name, Amen!