Balancing Busy Livesნიმუში

Isn't it just like our loving God to send a gentle nudge instead of harsh condemnation? When the children of Israel had their priorities mixed up, God didn't abandon them or shame them. He sent the prophet Haggai with a tender reminder: "Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways and thoughtfully reflect on your conduct!" Haggai 1:5 AMP

That phrase just melts my heart because it's so full of grace. It's like God saying, "Let's just pause for a second. Look around. How's this working out for you?"

The beautiful thing about God's correction is that it always comes with an invitation to return as we read here. “Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways and thoughtfully reflect on your conduct! Go up to the hill country, bring lumber and rebuild My house (temple), that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the Lord [accepting it as done for My glory]...Haggai 1:7-8 AMP. He’s not interested in making us feel guilty about our misplaced priorities; He wants to help us realign them.

Maybe you're feeling that gentle stirring right now, just like they did in Haggai 2:14. Perhaps you've been pouring yourself into work, family responsibilities, or even ministry, but somehow your personal relationship with Jesus has gotten buried under all the good things you're doing for Him.

God sees your heart, and when we read Joel 2:12-13 another prophet that primarily spoke to Judah, he reminds us just how gracious and merciful God is. He knows we love Him. He also knows that when our priorities get scrambled, we end up frustrated and empty like the people of Israel in Haggai 1:6, wondering why all our hard work isn't yielding the joy and peace we're longing for.

Today's Heart Check: What area of your life feels like you're working hard but not seeing the results you hoped for? Could it be that God is lovingly asking you to "consider your ways" in that area?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for the gentle ways You call me back to You. Help me recognize Your loving correction not as criticism, but as an invitation to come closer. Show me where my priorities need adjusting, and give me the courage to make those changes. Amen.