Then Haggai, the LORD’s messenger, gave this message of the LORD to the people: “I am with you,” declares the LORD.
Haggai 1:13 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, as I start off on the tasks of this day, I confess there is a lot on my plate. When I look at all that I need to get done and the amount of time I have to do it, I am honestly overwhelmed. Life seems to be coming to me from all directions. The work before me does seem daunting. I can only imagine how Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, must have felt when called upon by You to rebuild the temple. Yet those four words sent to them by You through Haggai mean everything: I am with you.
I thank You today that even as You were with them, You are with me and more. Your presence with me is not been sealed by my faithfulness or righteousness but by Your love, sacrifice, and blood. Because of Your love for me You sacrificed Your life for me and sealed my place in Your family by Your blood. Because of Your finished work my soul is reminded daily of Your glorious words, “I am with You always, even until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).” I never have to fret about having to go at it alone because You will always be there with me and for me. Thank You, Lord!
So as I begin this day, my prayer is that You would continue to strengthen me as I keep my mind stayed on You. Provide me clarity and focus on the tasks at hand. Enable me to pour my heart into doing what needs to be done, realizing that in doing so I am actually serving You and glorifying You (Colossians 3:23). Help me to execute in excellence, serve with grace, and love unconditionally. And cause the fruit of my hands to point others towards You that You might be praised, all the while knowing that You are right here with me all along the way. That, Lord, gives me peace. And that’s what I need. You. In Your Name I pray. Amen.