“Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.” (Haggai 2:4–5, ESV)

If ever the people needed encouragement it was now. It had been 18 years since Governor Zerubbabel led the first group of Jews back to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. After a strong start in laying the foundation for the temple, the people had become discouraged because of much opposition. But now that they had responded to Haggai’s exhortation and returned to the work, the LORD encouraged them and would begin to bless them.

It is interesting to me that God never discourages us. He may correct or redirect His children; at times He may even discipline us. But He always encourages us to do what is right in His sight. He told Zerubbabel, Joshua and all the people to be strong. Although they had been threatened in the past, this time they would be safe and succeed because the LORD was with them and would help them complete the work.

Moreover, God never shames us because Jesus took all our shame with Him on the cross. The devil uses shame to drive us away from God and away from others. But God wants us to confess or agree with Him about our sins. He wants us to receive His grace that removes both sin and shame.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10, NLT)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NKJV)

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1, NKJV)

We need strength, forgiveness, and assurance from our Heavenly Father to know that everything is going to be okay and that He is with us. And if God is with us, then what difference does it make who is against us?

“Heavenly Father, thank you for your great encouragement. Thank you for justifying us through our faith in Jesus and for removing all our sin and shame. As we begin a new week, keep us in that place where you can strengthen and help us in the work you have called us to do. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”