See the need; plan the work; share the task 

(Nehemiah 2&3) 

Nehemiah 2:2 "...sadness of heart" requires a plan.

We frequently find ourselves with a 'sadness of heart' without really understanding why. It's easy to attribute it to 'being too busy' or 'just tired and needing to get away.' Sometimes we assume it has to do with 'pressures' of job, family and social obligations. Sometimes we just don't have a clue why we aren't 'happy.'

Verse four says that the king asked Nehemiah, "What is it that you want?"

This verse strikes me in a very profound way - 'What is it that I want?' Since my happiness really is dependent upon me, not on anyone else, what are my expectations that evidently are not being met?

If I don't know what they are, how can they ever be addressed? The emphasis has to be on "If 'I'..." in order for me to move into any possibility of fulfillment.

That fundamental question, "What is it that you want?" will determine the need. From that can come the 'plan' and then the 'sharing' of the work. Out of this involvement of others will generally come our sense of fulfillment as we see situations and needs being addressed.

Nehemiah stated the need, developed a plan and involved lots of people to do the work in small bits and pieces at a time. Each person involved took ownership of a small segment of the project. Each person was aware of the need. Each person shared in the satisfaction of seeing a need they held in common being met.

Nehemiah's joy was full. In Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah is quoted, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." 

In other words, 'you can now move past your sadness of heart and celebrate.'