returning...

Confession is good for the soul, so here I go: I haven't opened my One Year Bible in a month. :( It's true. But I opened it yesterday and again today. It's amazing- I'm now in Ezra- rebuilding the Temple. Of course. It makes me want to cry, the ability of God to touch my life with perfect accuracy. Like an arrow, He pierces my heart. He's a fine hunter, seeking out my life, my heart... tracking me down and piercing it with His glorious, overwhelming love. And why not? He's a *jealous* God. Which expresses itself in both intolerant wrath and inconceivable love. He's amazing. I can't imagine my life without His faithful, unfailing love. It sustains me.

"When the builders completed the foundation of the LORD'S Temple, the priests put on their robes and took their places to blow their trumpets. And the Levites, descendants of Asaph, clashed their cymbals to praise the LORD, just as King David had prescribed. With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the LORD:
"He is so good!
His faithful love for Israel
endures forever!"
Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the LORD because the foundation for the LORD'S Temple had been laid. But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple's foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy. The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance."
(Ezra 3:10-13)

Some shouted praise. Others wept.
It's good.

Having to build a new foundation where one had already been laid is a sad thing to have to do. If you have been on this journey following God you have probably had to do it more than once. It's not an easy journey. And it's sad to rebuild the dwelling place of God in your life (don't go get all literal on me- if you know, you know).
At the same time, the new foundation is an occasion for great rejoicing... it's cleansing, promising and a testimony of His incredibly love and forgiveness.

Praise His Holy Name!
He IS SO GOOD!