Daily Devotions with Pastor Jim Cymbala

As the people of Israel continued to rebuild the temple, their emotional response was to celebrate what God had begun. Sometimes we focus so much on what is missing that we overlook what God has already provided. We can be thankful for the foundation He has laid in our lives and for those who have helped build our faith along the way. We must never despise small beginnings but praise God for what He has started and trust Him with what comes next.

In Ezra 3:10–11, the people rejoiced and praised God as they laid the foundation of the temple, giving thanks even though the work was not yet complete. Their example reminds us to be thankful for what God has already done, even while He is still working in us and through us. God has called us to do His work with grateful hearts in every season. Let’s give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His love endures forever!

Worship isn’t limited to a church service or a special occasion—it flows from a heart that recognizes how good God is. In Ezra’s day, God’s people offered freely out of gratitude, even before the temple was rebuilt. True worship comes from drawing near to God and responding to His goodness with a heart full of praise.

God provides what we need to accomplish His work, but He also calls us to sacrifice, serve, and work together to build His kingdom. In Ezra 3:7–9, when it was time to rebuild the temple, the people gave what was needed, worked under the leadership God had established, and faithfully played their part. When we surrender our resources, submit to godly leadership, and make ourselves available, God can use us to accomplish His purposes.

Following God doesn’t mean we won’t face opposition—it often means we will. In Ezra 3:3 God’s people set up the altar and began to worship despite their fear of those around them, showing us that obedience requires courage to keep doing God’s work even when we face resistance.