Undeserved.
Israel for so long had rebelled against the Lord even though He had revealed Himself to them in a personal way. From a single family He made them a strong nation w/a land to call their own. Even though He blessed them historically we still see a hard-hearted and selfish people. But God!
"'Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts," Hagg 2:3-4
Legit, do you think these people deserved to be encouraged by the Lord? If we're honest we would say no. But the Lord says, "Yet from this day on I will bless you." Hagg 2:19
The thread of God's grace and mercy is evident from the beginning of creation. And whether hard times are here for us we could (and should) consider how His grace and mercy has been extended to us as well. Take some time today to reflect with the Lord how blessed you really are. Talk about it with your spouse, family, co-workers, or friends. And make sure to praise Him for it!
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.