Well that was a timely word from Yehovah!

I will confess right now that I do a job I can’t stand. It doesn’t go against Yehovah’s word or anything, but it is diametrically opposed to what I believe the American Founding Fathers had in mind for the limited government of the United States. I do the very best I can for the company I work for, partly because I live in a fairly small town that needs it’s hospital, and partly because doing anything less is an insult to my God. I originally took the job because in a small town like ours this is one of the few that allows me to work only one job and support a family.

That being said, it is the main reason I am always so emotionally and mentally drained, too drained to spend a lot of time studying the words of the very God I serve. I spend a lot of time angry and depressed that I don’t have any options but to do a job I hate and never have the energy to do what I love, immersing myself in Yehovah’s word and helping others do the same just so I can put a roof over my family’s head (sound familiar in the context of today’s rad.

Then I read Chagai this Shabbat and the words bring me up short:

“You have sowed much and brought in little; you eat without being satisfied; you drink without getting your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one gets warm; and he who earns anything earns it for a leaky purse… Go up to the hills and get timber, and rebuild the House; then I will look on it with favor and I will be glorified – said Hashem” (1:6, 8, The Israel Bible).

I might not have to build a physical house for God, but it is time I repent my wining about the job I hate and using it as an excuse to limit my experiences with Him. The “timber” I need to collect is nothing short of encouraging myself in Yehovah like David did when he was feeling depressed and alone. Then I can “rebuild the House” within my own spirit to rekindle my relationship with my Father. If I do that, just like it says in Chagai, He will look upon that House (in my spirit) with favor and He will be glorified.

• 
  Edie Ellingson
  August 11, 2019 at 6:26 pm  /

  Dawn, you have some of the most profound observations. Thank you for sharing them!

  • 
    Dawn Marie McAlister
    August 12, 2019 at 10:03 pm  /

    Thank you, Edie. I’m glad you find these thoughts worth the read. 🙂