I am reading the book of Ezra as part of my refreshed devotions for the new year. I find the intricacies of rebuilding the temple fascinating. The difficulties they faced a few thousand years ago are not so unlike the challenges faced today when proceeding with God’s work.

2024 is not even a month old and I have already accumulated a list of sins on my once clean slate. And when I, with cringing heart, glance at that ever-growing list I am taunted with the thoughts of what could have been.

I could have responded with a gentle word but I didn’t. I could have rejoiced at the chance to show grace but I made a biting remark instead. I could have viewed that chance to serve as a gift but i chose to grumble. I could have let love cover a multitude of wrongs but I kept track. I could have celebrated but I compared and let envy grow. I could have rested in Jesus but I gave anxiety the upper hand. I could have been still and prayed but I gave my free moments to my phone instead of to Jesus…and that’s just the top of the list. It is much longer than that.

So hear I am, preparing to plan out another new week. It’s very hard to not roll my eyes at myself, throw my hands in the air and just say, “whatever.” But this life I am cultivating is like a temple for the Living God. It is His work and He has entrusted it to me to steward. Obstacles will come; my efforts will be thwarted; but good work must continue.

And just as God’s people resumed the traditions of the past in order to reorient their routines towards God, I am working into my routine more opportunities to fix my eyes on Jesus. I will resume doing the right thing again and again and yet still again.