Haggai 1:5-6

In God We Trust

Application: During a spiritual dry spell, it might feel hard to believe God is trustworthy. Make a commitment to engage more deeply in devotional practices. Start a daily journal detailing your experiences of God’s faithfulness in your life. Reflect on past answered prayers, and write about how those moments reinforced your trust. At the end of the week, gather with a small group to share your stories and encourage one another in trusting God more fully.

Illustration: I remember a time when I misplaced my car keys and was convinced I would be late for an important meeting. As I was frantically searching, my little daughter came up to me and said, 'Daddy, just pray! Maybe God will help you find them.' It struck me how her simple faith in trusting God transcended my worries. Sure enough, just moments after I prayed, I found the keys right where I had left them. Just like our kids, we often forget to trust in God's provision amidst our chaos!

In God We Trust

Trusting God in Troubling Times

Bible Passage: Haggai 1:5-6

Summary: In Haggai 1:5-6, the prophet calls on the people to consider their ways, pointing out the futility of their efforts in neglecting God’s house while seeking their own comforts. This passage highlights the need for placing our trust in God and prioritizing His work amidst life’s challenges.

Application: This sermon encourages believers to examine their priorities and trust God in all aspects of life. It offers practical guidance on how to realign our lives around God’s purposes, ensuring that we overcome our struggles with faith and reliance on Him.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that trusting God is foundational for a fulfilling life, emphasizing that when we prioritize God, He blesses our efforts. It explores the pivotal role of faith in redirecting our focus from self to God and His kingdom.

How this passage could point to Christ: The theme of trusting God throughout the Scriptures ultimately points to Christ, who embodies our ultimate hope and trust. His life and teachings reveal that true fulfillment comes from aligning ourselves with God’s will and prioritizing His kingdom.

Big Idea: When we trust in God and prioritize His work, we discover that our needs will be met and our efforts will bear fruit.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider studying the historical context of Haggai to understand the challenges faced by the Israelites returning from exile. The Logos library can provide insights into the socio-political climate of that time. Look into commentaries or critiques on the themes of stewardship and prioritization in Haggai to enrich your application points.

1. Prioritize God's Purposes

Haggai 1:5

Perhaps you can begin by highlighting the urgency in God's call through Haggai to "consider your ways." This phrase compels the listener to self-reflection and examination of priorities. You could emphasize how misplaced trust leads to unfulfilling pursuits and that true fulfillment begins when we align our priorities with God's purposes. In linking to Christ, illustrate how Jesus constantly called His followers to examine their lives in light of God's kingdom. Encourage the congregation to re-evaluate their commitments, placing trust in God as their ultimate hope.

2. Persist in God's Provision

Haggai 1:6

In this verse, perhaps draw attention to the futility of human efforts without God, as depicted by the empty harvest, the unquenched thirst, and the unfilled pockets. You could suggest that this frustration is a consequence of not prioritizing God. Tie this to Christ by showing how Jesus teaches that when we seek first His kingdom, all else is provided. Encourage your listeners to trust God's provision and align their efforts with His will for a more fruitful life experience.