Rebuilding from the Ruins

In Weeping for the Broken part 3, I wrote about inspecting your personal brokenness. Today, we are going a step further in the healing process. We are going to begin working on rebuilding the ruins. It’s not going to happen in a day and it’s not going to be without having battles to fight during the process. Remember, that God is with you and He is for your healing and will guide you through it. Now let’s get started with the building process.

First Things First – The Sheep Gate

In Nehemiah chapter 3, we see that the first thing they begin to rebuild is the Sheep Gate. This represents rebuilding our relationship with Jesus. In verse 1, we see that they didn’t just rebuild the gate, they dedicated it, set up its doors and then began to rebuild the walls. So why is this Sheep Gate so important? Notice what Jesus says in John 10:2, 7, and 9: “But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. … So He explained to them: ‘I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. … Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through Me will be saved.’” (NLT)

Restoring Relationship with Jesus

How do we even begin to rebuild this relationship with Jesus? How do we even ponder that we might hear His voice and be able to follow where He’s calling us to go? The key answer to these questions and more is to begin dedicating ourselves to time-out at least once a day. One way to begin is to read one verse or one chapter of the Bible at a time. When I did not know where to begin, I found that the book of Proverbs is full of all kinds of wonderful advice. For inspiration, you can also read Psalm 30 which was written by King David when he dedicated the temple. The beginning of hearing the Good Shepherd’s voice is to read what He has written to us in the Bible.

Setting up the Doors

When we’ve been hurt, and we cannot find a way to reconcile that hurt, it’s like our doors are broken down and we end up in a state of oppression. Psalm 30 is a great illustration of that oppression. However, when we begin listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd, He begins helping us to rebuild those gates that have become broken down. When we “rebuild the Sheep Gate” in ourselves and dedicate it to the Lord, He provides the Holy Spirit as our Helper and we begin to work together with the Holy Spirit to put up those doors that are broken down.

Building the Walls

When we learn to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd, we will be able to listen to Him and recognize those voices that do not come from Him. This is the part when He calls us to follow Him. And as we follow Him, He helps us build up the boundaries that have been trampled down during the times of oppression. 

Building the Towers

No city wall is complete without its towers. Towers are for the protection of the city. Can you imagine that as we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and we begin working with Him to learn to use tools to rebuild broken down boundaries, that we get to this point where we begin learning how to build the towers of protection along those boundaries. This particular first tower, called the Tower of the Hundred, was not just built; it was dedicated. This is the same thing as putting on the armor of God. It directly relates to growth in our character, personality, and relationship with Christ discussed in Ephesians 6:10-18. 

Working Together

Now we have this new experience as we begin walking with God, listening to His spirit, and dressing in His armor. We begin working with others who are walking in the same purpose that we are. As we are walking the walk of restoration and reconciliation in ourselves, God brings us together with others who are willing to walk with us and work together with us for the common purpose of lifting each other up. This is one of the ways in which we hear His call to follow Him. 

Lifting Others Up

In verse 2, we see that the city of Jericho is helping the city of Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. This is what I mean by lifting each other up. We see people from two different towns come together in assistance, helping to build the walls and towers of Jerusalem. 1 Thessalonians 5:9a, says, “God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out His anger on us.” (NLT) verse 11 continues with ,”So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” Just as we would rather forget the oppression that we have experienced, we are called not to bring that upon anyone else. 

Only the Beginning

We began looking at our relationship with Jesus and learning how to be restored to Him again by building, or rebuilding, a real relationship with Him. In return, He comes by our side and teaches us moment by moment how to build each broken part of us. He fills us with His Holy Spirit and teaches us how to dress and walk in our spiritual armor. At the same time, He brings us together with people of like minds to work on rebuilding and restoration together.

How About You?

Has this article made an impact in your life? Has it inspired you? Are you working through the process of healing? Do you know someone who is? Tell me in the comments below if you have any questions or would like to share a part of your story. You can also write to me at [email protected].