Read

Haggai 2:1-23
Zechariah 1:1-5:11
Ezra 5:2

Zechariah 1:11-13, “And they reported to the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees, ‘We have gone throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest and in peace.’ Then the angel of the Lord said, ‘Lord Almighty, how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and from the towns of Judah, which you have been angry with these seventy years?’ So the Lord spoke kind and comforting words to the angel who talked with me.”

Think

Do you ever feel invisible or unseen? Do you ever wonder why you seem to be having to endure more hardships and challenges than most? It’s as if no one sees it but you. Even more unbearable than the circumstances themselves is the solitude of facing them alone.

The Jews Zechariah was with had similar struggles. After so many years spent in captivity, they were allowed to return to what was left of their home, in Jerusalem, to begin rebuilding the temple. Meanwhile, they were met with opposition from their neighbors, and it seemed like those who ravaged their land in the first place would just get away with it all. They, too, likely had such thoughts as, “Has God forgotten us?” “Does He care?” “Why are they being allowed to get away with this?” “Is ANYONE seeing this?!” When Zechariah received God’s vision, it must have given him comfort to realize that God did, in fact, see them, and He cared about their plight. And, in fact, God was at work with a plan in mind for their redemption.

The message Zechariah received is a reminder to us today. In the darkest of circumstances, when it seems we are most alone, we are not. God is not surprised or unaware. He sees you, cares about what you are going through, and He loves you! We can take comfort in knowing that He does have a plan. We may not receive a vision of how it will play out, but we can be assured He is at work. In the meantime, hold on to His Word and let His peace that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ!

Pray

Heavenly Father, Thank You for seeing and caring about me in all circumstances. When I feel alone, remind me to cling to You and Your Word. I trust that You are in control amid the chaos. Please cover me with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.