FAITH CAPSULE: know that He is true to His word, live life according to His command.
Haggai 2
God spoke to Joshua after the he took over from Moses, “…I will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5) The word that sounded to Joshua speaks to all that walks in line with the word of God. However, when there is lack of understanding that God is with you, the power of Him being there for you will not be activated. It is written in Hosea 4:6 that the lack of knowledge is what destroyed the people of God. It is important to constantly keep in mind that He is with us just as we walk in line with His word. God is always available for His children and the Psalmist described Him, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
The completion of the latter temple was nothing to be compared with the one that was built by Solomon. All those who lived to witness both temples do have enough reason to develop a sense of discouragement. However, there was a reason for them to be encouraged and move forward and not dwell on the past but to continue in their work for the Lord. The reason not to be discouraged was God’s word of encouragement through Haggai in Haggai 2:4, “Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel, says the LORD; and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land, says the LORD, and work; for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts”. Are you experiencing any form of discouragement?
Take to the living Word of God that was and that will always be. The word of God speaks encouragement and power in place of discouragement. It is time to disallow the past from counting you out but continue to count on Him that is abundantly able to accept us from where we stand in Him. God’s words through Haggai, “I am with you” (Exodus 3:12) was the same that was spoken to encourage Moses in the assignment for bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt. God has not ceased from backing His children up with His word. Hebrews 13:5 identifies what it takes to have the word answer on our behalf, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” To be living according to His command and to know that He is true to His word is encouraging. With our knowing, “…we can boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6) Know that the Lord is with you. Be encouraged by the Word of God today and He will see you through.
Prayer for today: Ask Him to help you not to depart from His word.