Haggai 1:7  The LORD of Armies says this: “Think carefully about your ways.”

Haggai wrote to a group of people who had returned from exile in Babylon. Although they were back in the land of their heritage and their hopes, things were not exactly going swell. There were problems they could not seem to overcome. Progress was evident. Setbacks were just as evident. What gives?

Haggai gave these repatriated families God’s word for their situation. In essence, he told them that God did not bring them back to Jerusalem and Judea to occupy space, but to know and experience him in right living. 

The writer of Psalm 112 tells us what right living looks like. He offers a top line to go along with his bottom line. 

The Good: “Hallelujah! Happy is the person who fears the LORD, taking great delight in his commands.

The Bad: “The wicked one will see it and be angry; he will gnash his teeth in despair. The desire of the wicked leads to ruin,” (verse 10). 

The eight intervening verses describe the blessings of right living. Among them are appropriate power, significant blessing, wealth, gracious living, compassion, and generosity.

There is also good business conducted fairly. There are reputations honestly earned and long remembered. There is confidence and fearless living. There is deep assurance. There is provision for those who cannot provide for themselves. There is honor. 

Today is Sunday. This is a good day to do what Haggai said: “Think carefully about your ways.” This is a good day to recommit to knowing and experiencing God in every aspect of our lives that we may enjoy and extend the blessings of right living.

Our Father, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way,” (Psalm 139:23, 24). I want to live a good life, the good life you have prepared for me. Amen.