Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10//

In times of trouble and jubilation, the joy of the Lord must always be my strength.

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.
Nehemiah 7:2//

Integrity is derived (in part) from a healthy fear of God.

I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.”
Nehemiah 6:8//

Some people will make stuff up based on what they see from the outside and not what is truly happening on the inside.

But the earlier governors—those preceding me—placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God I did not act like that.
Nehemiah 5:15//

As a leader, I must hold myself to a higher standard and remember to honor the Lord.

Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity.
Nehemiah 4:4//

God will protect us from our enemies, even if just a verbal threat.

Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time.
Nehemiah 2:6//

If it pleases God to send me to build His kingdom, perhaps I can ask for a time to return to my land.

“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.
Nehemiah 1:10-11//

Lord, please hear the prayers of your servant, pave the path forward, and ease the stress and the pain.

Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”
Ezra 10:4//

Sometimes it takes others to inspire us to take corrective action; especially when righting the wrong is emotionally painful.

you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: ‘The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.’
Ezra 9:11-12//

Lord, as we enter an unholy land, protect us and our children, so that we may do Your will.

I said to them, “You as well as these articles are consecrated to the Lord. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the Lord , the God of your ancestors.
Ezra 8:28//

Lord, let my life be an offering to you!