“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.”

[Ezra 3:11 NIV]

Devotional

After years of exile in Babylon, the people of Israel returned home to a city in ruins. One of their first tasks was to rebuild the temple, the place that symbolized God’s presence among them. When the foundation was laid, they didn’t wait for the walls to rise or for the sanctuary to be finished. They lifted their voices in praise right then, declaring the goodness and enduring love of God.

Their joy was not based on a completed temple but on God’s faithfulness. He had kept His promise to bring them back. He had given them strength to start again. Their worship was a celebration of God’s unchanging love, even in the middle of a rebuilding process.

This is a reminder for us too. We don’t have to wait until every prayer is answered or every problem is solved to worship. God’s love is just as steady in the “foundations” of life as it is in the finished work. His goodness does not depend on our circumstances. It endures forever.

Reflection

What “foundations” are you laying in your life right now? Take time to thank God for His love even before everything feels complete. Worship Him in the middle of the process, knowing His goodness never fails.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your goodness and love that endure forever. Help me to praise You not only when things are finished but also when I am just beginning. Teach me to see Your faithfulness in every step of the journey. Amen.