Do you ever feel like your money disappears and you have no idea where it went? We live in an expensive society and this holiday season exacerbates that truth even more. However, the experience of never having enough may be a symptom of something deeper. Life slipping through your hands may be an indication that God’s commands have slipped from your mind.

Haggai 1:2 explains how a lack of priority can lead to a loss of prosperity. ““This is what the lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the lord.’”3Then the lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: 4“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? 5This is what the lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 6You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!”

The secret to a better life is not about gaining more things; it is about doing the right things. Haggai reminds the people of God that it is their priorities, or lack there of, that is sabotaging their security. Here are a few lessons to keep you on track:

1. It is the right time to do the right thing.
Haggai 1:2 This is what the lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the lord.’” God’s timing does not always match our timing. We often have a reason to put off what God says we should be prioritizing today. Remember that you never lose when you put God first.

2. Be careful when you elevate your comfort over God’s calling.
Haggai 1:4“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? The good news is that God is not opposed to you having nice things or enjoying the comforts of this life. However, we must ensure that our comfort never takes precedence above what God has called us to do. Much of what God calls us to do will draw us out of our comfort zone and may even require sacrifice.

3. Your best efforts are no substitute for His blessing.
Haggai 1:6 You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! Working hard is not a guarantee of God’s blessing. You must work in a way that brings honor to Him. He can add much more blessing to your life than you could ever earn. Remember the level of your success in any venture is not dependent only on what you can produce, but also on what God can produce through you.

Today’s Challenge: Pray today that God will lead you into the right steps to bring His abundance into your life. If your convenience, comfort, or self-sufficiency has been robbing you of God’s blessing, repent and embrace His calling today.