September 7

Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy. — Ezra 6:16 BSB

It was a joyful moment when the building stood completed on the holy mount. It had risen from ruins. It had cost much sacrifice and effort. It was built despite many discouragements and obstacles. Many tears fell on the stones as they were lifted into place.

The things we achieve through sacrifice, self-denial, hardship, and struggle are far dearer to us than those we accomplish easily, without feeling the weight or the cost. Churches built by poor, struggling congregations, whose members sacrifice and deny themselves to gather the necessary resources, bring far more joy to the builders when they are completed than the finest churches funded by the wealthy. They are built from the hearts of the people and shine in heaven’s eyes with the splendor of love.

Our joy in doing God’s work, in giving to God, is measured by the real cost of what we do and give. The more heart and soul we put into them, the more precious they become to us and to God. The richest treasures of our lives are those that have cost us the most.