2 ^1-2 It was the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king. At the hour for serving wine I brought it in and gave it to the king. I had never been hangdog in his presence before, so he asked me, “Why the long face? You’re not sick are you? Or are you depressed?”--Nehemiah 2:1-2, AMPC

According to an online dictionary, "hangdog" means "having a dejected or guilty appearance; shamefaced."

For many reasons--probably because at least most kings (rulers) have so much pressure and negatives to deal with daily--it was never wise to be depressed-looking ("hangdog") in the presence of the ruer, for if the ruler was in a bad mood, the person being "hangdog" could lose his (or her) head!

So Nehemiah either couldn't hide his negative state of mind, or he didn't care, or he had such a close relationship with God and then the king, that he knew it would be all right to show--even if for just this once--his true feelings.

Our faithful God has always got our backs, and does Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28! Hallelujah!

As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day.--Genesis 50;20, AMPC

 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.--Romans 8:28, AMPC

The LORD Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit Who is God, is our Joy, our Peace, our Strength, our Hope, our Victory, our Restoration, and more! 

²² But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,  ²³ Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. --Galatians 5:22-23, AMPC

Some days are harder emotionally than others, of course, but the more we lean on (trust in and depend on) the LORD, the quicker He can help us get our minds back on Him and rest in that Secret Place of His loving, steadfast Presence. 

Hallelujah! 

So, while Jesus certainly understands "hangdog"--for that is surely how He felt exponentially in the garden, knowing He was about to be betrayed by one of His own disciples--He died to destroy that sorrow and sadness, and give us grace and gladness!

Hallelujah!

The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad!--Psalm 126:3, AMPC

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.