Ezra 3:10-11 (NIV)
“When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites…took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel. With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: ‘He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.’ And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.”
There’s something deeply emotional about starting over. For the exiles returning to Jerusalem, laying the foundation of the temple wasn’t just a construction project-it was a spiritual milestone. As they placed each stone, they were rebuilding hope, renewing worship, and reconnecting with their identity as God’s people. The moment was so powerful that it evoked both shouts of joy and tears of sorrow. Why? Because while the future was bright, the memory of what was lost still lingered.
And isn’t that often how it feels when we start rebuilding our faith? Laying spiritual foundations is hard. It means confronting past failures, showing up with consistency, and choosing to trust again-especially when you’ve been through disappointment or spiritual dryness. But just like in Ezra’s day, the foundation is worth celebrating, even if the progress feels small. The loud shout of praise wasn’t for a completed temple-it was just the beginning-but they praised God for the foundation, knowing He would do the rest.
If you’re in a season of starting over-maybe returning to prayer, recommitting to church, or rebuilding your walk with God-don’t underestimate what you’re doing. Foundations are unseen, but they support everything that comes after. It may be hidden work, but it’s holy work. And God sees every quiet act of obedience, every tear shed in worship, every choice to believe again.
So today, celebrate the foundations. Even if they’re small, even if it feels like you’re just beginning, remember: He is good; His love endures forever. The same God who helped you start will carry you through to the finish.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the grace to start again. Help me lay strong foundations of faith, even when the process feels slow or painful. I trust that what I’m building with you will stand. Strengthen my heart to keep going, and let my life shout your praise, even in the early stages.
