Is Your “Paneled House” Hiding Your Purpose?
In the ancient biblical world, "paneled houses" were the ultimate status symbol. While most people lived in simple stone structures, the elite used expensive cedar wood to line their walls. It was beautiful, it was quiet, and it was—above all—comfortable. In the book of Haggai, God asks a piercing question:
"Why are you living in your paneled houses, while MY house lies in ruins?" (Haggai 1:4)
At first glance, it sounds like God is anti-comfort. But as I dug into this during my own study, I realized the problem wasn't the wood; it was the priority. The people were using the very materials and time intended for God’s Temple to polish their own private nests.
The Modern "Paneling"
We ( definitely not me) might not be importing cedar from Lebanon, but we are master builders of modern "paneled houses." We line our lives with:
Digital Noise: Giving our brand new morning thoughts to the doom of a social media scroll instead of a prayer.
The "When-Then" Trap: Saying, "I’ll serve God when I get that promotion," or "I'll focus on my marriage when this shift rotation ends."
Self-Sustaining Stress: Believing that if we don't move at 100 mph, everything will fall apart.
As a nurse, I know how easy it is to "panel" my life with the luxury of distraction (I’ll be the first to admit I am guilty of all the distractions!). After a 12-hour shift, it feels "earned" to just numb out. But Haggai reminds us that when we spend all our energy on our own comfort, we end up with the "Bag with Holes"—working endlessly but never feeling full.
Displacing the Glory
The "rubble" in our lives isn't usually made of bad things; it’s usually made of good things in the wrong place. When we use our "prime real estate"—our best energy, our first hour, our deepest talents—solely for ourselves, we aren't just being busy. We are displacing God’s glory. We are trying to build a life that looks good on the outside but lacks the actual Presence of God on the inside. The good news? God didn't wait for the people to have "extra" time to call them back. He called them in the middle of their mess.
Laying the first stone doesn't require you to quit your job or move to a monastery! It starts with a simple exchange:
Identify the Panel: What is the "comfort" you are prioritizing over your connection with God?
Clear the Rubble: Admit that your "busy" has become a barrier.
Prioritize the Presence: Give God the "first fruits" of your next hour.
Building Your New Foundation
In Haggai, the people didn’t build the whole Temple in a day; they simply "began to work." You don't need a 2-hour quiet time to begin; you just need to give God the "first fruits" of your attention.
The "First Five"
Before you check your phone, your vitals, or the news, give the very first 5 minutes of your day to God.
Step: Keep a Bible (or a Proverbs book) on your nightstand. Before your feet hit the floor, read just one chapter or even just one verse. I start with a proverb they are often two sentences or even one sentence!
Why: This "clears the rubble" of anxiety before it can build up for the day.
The "Stillness Check"
"Sitting down" can feel like a crime, but even 5 minutes of intentional stillness is an act of worship. I have struggled with this a lot, I always have this internal clock and deadline for everything under the sun! It is extremely hard for me to slow down!
Step: Find a quiet corner (the breakroom, the car, or even a supply closet) and set a timer for 5 minutes. Don’t pray a long list of requests; just breathe and repeat: "Lord, I am here, and You are with me."
Why: This acknowledges that God is the one sustaining the moment, not just your frantic pace.
The "Panel" Audit
At the end of the day, identify what "panels" you leaned on to soothe your stress.
Step: Ask yourself: "Did I go to my phone/the TV/food to feel better, or did I go to God?" The Swap: Choose one "numbing" habit and trade the first 10 minutes of it for a conversation with God about your day.
The "December 18" Marker
Step: Write "Haggai 2:18" on a sticky note and put it on your bathroom mirror or your locker at work.
Why: It serves as a reminder that today is a turning point. You aren't waiting for life to get easy to start building; you are starting in the middle of the mess.
When you’re washing your hands (which we should do 100 times a day!), waiting at a red light or even a commercial break use those 20 seconds as a "Mini-Sabbath."
The Prayer: "Lord, wash away my stress and fill me with Your peace for this next part of my day" It’s a way to turn a routine task into a foundational moment.
Consider Your Ways
What is one "luxury of distraction" you’ve been using to avoid the "ruined" areas of your spiritual life?
If your schedule were a building, would God be the foundation, or just a guest in one of the rooms?
Next Post: The Mystery of the Bag with Holes: Why your hard work isn't paying off.