Returning to the Foundation

Reading: Zechariah 1:1-6

Devotional:

When life feels chaotic and our carefully constructed plans crumble, our first instinct is often to start over somewhere else. But God calls us to something different—to return to Him and rebuild from the foundation up.

The exiles in Zechariah's time had to face the difficult work of examining their hearts before reconstructing their temple. The prophet's message was clear: "Return to me, and I will return to you." This wasn't about geographical return from Babylon but spiritual realignment with the God they had abandoned.

We cannot build authentic lives while ignoring cracks in our spiritual foundation. We patch over wounds with busyness, medicate pain with entertainment, and decorate dysfunction with achievement. But underneath, the foundation continues to deteriorate. Returning to God isn't a one-time decision but a daily realignment with His character, His truth, and His ways.

This returning requires honest self-examination—acknowledging where we've wandered, confessing the idols we've served, and recognizing patterns that keep us from flourishing. God, in His mercy, won't let us build on faulty foundations. He loves us too much to watch us construct lives destined to collapse.

Today, resist the urge to simply redecorate the surface of your life. Ask God to reveal where your foundation needs repair. What broken piece are you avoiding? Bring it to Him. He's not waiting to condemn you but to restore you, one honest confession at a time.

Quote: "We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." — C.S. Lewis

Reflection Question: What area of your life needs foundational repair rather than surface-level fixes?