Building His House

Years ago, when my husband and I were dating, we would go on hiking dates. I’ll never forget one of our first dates when he bought me a brand-new study BIble, gave it to me on our hike, and highlighted a verse in the book of Haggai. 

As we reached the top of the mountain, I opened that beautiful study Bible. I turned to the bookmarked page to see he had highlighted Haggai 1:8, which says, 

Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord. (NIV)

The book of Haggai is a short but beautiful book. It’s all about Haggai’s declaration written to the post-exilic Jewish people to choose God over their own desires and to rebuild His house, the Temple. He urges them to not be busy building their own kingdoms, but to lay that down and rebuild His house (Haggai 1:9). 

As I read Haggai 1:8 while sitting on that mountain, I saw the dichotomy of my future play out in my mind. I had all of these “plans” I was making for my future, but would I surrender that to the Lord and choose to build His house? If so, what would that mean?

Many of us could agree, of course we want to build God’s house. But truly doing so comes with picking up our cross and dying to ourselves daily. Building His house comes with personal sacrifice. Jesus told us this when He told us to pick up our cross and follow Him (Luke 14:25-33). It’s easy to go off to build our dreams, our plans, or our own way. It’s much harder to surrender our will and desire, and say, “Lord, send me where You want me to go.” But there’s good news! We don’t have to be afraid of our future when we lay down our desires for His kingdom, because when we build His kingdom, he will bless our lives far beyond what we could think or imagine! Scripture is clear—when we build His house, He will take care of ours. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 

We can be confident that when we sacrifice something we value, God will take care of our needs and give us way more than what we left behind (Mark 10:29). Following Jesus includes counting the cost and abandoning all for the sake of knowing and living for Him—our Lord and Savior (Philippians 3:8).

Haggai 1:8 has transformed my life, marriage, and family (time and time again) because I decided to live by those words, building His house and His kingdom. It’s a daily choice to lay down my way and surrender to His leading. It is not always easy, but it will always be worth it. Will you choose today to do the same? 

Let’s pray: Lord, help me to put building Your house above any earthly dream or desire in my life. I want to put Your kingdom first. Show me what it means to follow You fully. I surrender my will, and my plans to You. Thank You that You will always provide for me above and beyond what I could ask or imagine! Amen! 

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION^®, NIV^® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.