“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: … Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem .” (Ezra 1:2 ESV)
King Cyrus was letting the Hebrew people go back home, yet many of them were born in exile and had never seen Jerusalem- only heard about it. Yet, the first thing they were to do when they got there was to rebuild the temple- so God could dwell amongst them. That was primary before building homes, setting up sheep pastures or building boats so they could fish for a living. In other words, they were to put God first.
When my husband was alive, we would move every one to two years because of his job. I learned the first thing was to find a church. Then I knew I had instant support and a way to make friends. Everything else fell into place. Where to live, where to shop, who was hiring. And becoming involved with that church’s programs gave me a sense of purpose and placed my focus on God instead of poor little me. It was letting God in so He could dwell in that new place with me, which kept me from building pity walls and worry walls around myself. Those walls only shut out new opportunities.
Taking the next step to put God first in any new endeavor I undertake is the a bit harder. But, if I strike out on my own, it usually doesn’t turn out well. I am building my “house” on sand, not the firm foundation of a loving God who has, not better plan, but the best plan for me.
If you are about to journey down a new road, be it a job change, a change in relationships, or a change in situation, first build your house of the Lord so He can dwell with you in this new way. Make God your firm foundation and let Him guide your steps on your new adventure.
