COURAGE TO CONTINUE

READ: Haggai 2:1-9

“Be strong, all you people of the land,” says the LORD, “and work; for I am with you.” – Haggai 2:4

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 16-18

I enjoy my job, so usually I am eager to get out of bed and go to work. But one day I became discouraged when I thought about my family’s financial security. Was I providing enough? Other people seemed to be doing so much better. I grew fearful as I thought about the future, and those fears sapped my zest for life.

It would have been helpful for me to recall what God had said through Haggai to the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem from exile. Even though they had started enthusiastically to rebuild the temple, they became discouraged. Memories of Solomon’s glorious temple made their work seem insignificant by comparison.

They needed courage. So God told them, “Be strong, all you people of the land, … and work; for I am with you” (Hag. 2:4).

How can we find courage? Some find it in a group. Some depend on their achievements. Some try to boost their self-confidence by raising their voice. But these do nothing more than camouflage their insecurity.

As God’s people, our confidence comes from our relationship with Him. He is with us. We are His people. As we keep these truths in mind, we will find courage to continue working in a way that pleases Him and brings us joy. – Albert Lee

God has said He will not leave us,

That He never will forsake;

We can trust His Word unchanging,

And new hope and courage take. – Anon.

We find courage to stand when we kneel before the Lord.