“And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.” Ezra 3:11-13 (NIV)

The Lord said “‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing? Yet now be strong…says the Lord; and be strong…and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of Hosts.’” Haggai 3:3,4 (NIV)

Dear Lord with Us, 

To all who walk by faith not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) You turn our sorrow into joy. You build what human hands cannot; what human minds cannot conceive or destroy. What looks as nothing to the world is glorious in our eyes. We exalt You, King of the Universe! You build not of perishable things but from living children You have chosen, one by one, and made Your very own possessions. We are Your Kingdom, shining like beacons across the face of the earth. All disappointments will seamlessly become our joy and garment of praise. Everything that looks like nothing, holds the promise of future glory in Your hands. God, Who creates ex nihilo, build on as we wait on the Promised One’s return! This Promise, He is our Strength! 

In Jesus Name Forever