Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Jeremiah 31:24-25 (NIV)
“People will live together in Judah and all its towns—farmers and those who move about with their flocks. I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
Jeremiah 31:24-25 (MSG)
“All Judah’s people, whether in town or country, will get along just fine with each other. I’ll refresh tired bodies; I’ll restore tired souls.”
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“And [the people of] Judah and all its cities will live there together—the farmer and they who wander about with flocks. For I [fully] satisfy the weary soul, and I replenish every languishing and sorrowful person.” -AMPLIFIED
“In that day the Jewish people would not only be blessed spiritually, but also materially. They will be restored in both the city and the country. God promised abundance and satisfaction to the empty, tired soul. The soul filled with sorrow would be filled with hope and peace.” ~David Guzik
The Lord has been sharing with Israel how things will one day be different, once they repent and turn back to Him wholly. When they do, God promises to bring them home. God’s Message to Israel:
“This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: “When I restore their fortunes, they will once again speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities: ‘May the Lord bless you, righteous settlement, holy mountain.’” -Jeremiah 31:23 (CSB)
As we look to today’s passage, we find the Lord reminding Israel that He is the only One who can truly satisfy and refresh the weary soul. God’s Message:
“In those days of restoration, farmers and herders all across Judah will live together in peace alongside those who live in the cities. I will satisfy those who are weary, and I will refresh every soul in the grips of sorrow.” -(VOICE)
Israel had spent too many years chasing after temporary pleasures, trying to find satisfaction in all the wrong places. They had turned to other gods, idols, which was a sin, practicing rites that were contrary to the ways of the Lord, which led them further into sin. All because they were looking for satisfaction in all the wrong places.
We find the Lord telling them that in the day of restoration, everyone will live in peace and happiness. How can that be? Because the Lord would be the One who would give them rest and refreshment for their weary souls, and He would satisfy them too.
One day, the people of Israel will finally realize that only the Lord can satisfy and refresh them. This is because He is “I AM”, the All-Sufficient One. He is the only One who can meet their every need. He is the only One who is always with them all the time. He is the only One who can truly refresh them and satisfy their weary souls.
“God identified Himself using the name I AM WHO I AM, also shortened to I AM. The Hebrew translation for this name is Yahweh (pronounced YA WAY). Later, this name was transliterated into a Latin version of the name: “Jehovah,” which means “the self-existent one.” By calling Himself I AM, God revealed that He had no beginning and will have no end.” ~Marybeth McCullum
“And city dwellers and farmers and shepherds alike shall live together in peace and happiness. For I have given rest to the weary and joy to all the sorrowing.” -(TLB)
“Judah would experience great unity at that time because the Lord would satisfy the previously weary residents and refresh those who formerly languished.” ~Thomas Constable
God’s Word states clearly that true, lasting refreshing and satisfaction will only come from Adonai-Tzva’ot, the God of Israel. Let’s take a look, pay close attention to the highlighted areas.
Frist, finding refreshment from the Lord:
- “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” -Proverbs 3:6-8 (NASB)
- “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” -Isaiah 40:31 (NASB)
- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” -Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
- “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” -Acts 3:19 (NASB)
- “And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.” -Jude 1:24-25 (MSG)
Second, finding satisfaction in the Lord:
- “You will make known to me the way of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” -Psalm 16:11 (NASB)
- “ For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And He has filled the hungry soul with what is good.” -Psalm 107:9 (NASB)
- “And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” -Isaiah 58:11 (NASB)
- “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” -Matthew 6:33 (NASB)
- “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,”” -Hebrews 13:5 (NASB)
Let us remember what Jesus said to the Woman at the Well, this relevant to Everyman:
“Drink this water, and your thirst is quenched only for a moment. You must return to this well again and again. I offer water that will become a wellspring within you that gives life throughout eternity. You will never be thirsty again.” -John 4:13-14 (VOICE)
“In God’s word, those satisfied with God spend a lifetime seeking satisfaction in God. Those filled with God search for fullness in God. Those who have found God never stop searching after God. An unrelenting pursuit of God defines believers. That is why they keep reading the same Scriptures again and again — to find more of God. They pray for more of God. They memorize passages for more of God. Our longing is not to re-experience the joy we had when we first beheld him, but to experience new joy through a greater knowledge of him.” ~Dieudonné Tamfu
My friend, weary soul, have you been looking for refreshment and satisfaction in other places? If so, you need to realize that true refreshment, restoration, healing, and satisfaction can only be found in the Lord. Everything else is just fleeting and will never bring you contentment or fulfillment. Only God can fill that empty spot in your life. Run to Him today and allow Him to refresh and satisfy you.
“The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately, and forever.” ~A. W. Tozer
My Prayer:
Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, forgive me for those times that I have looked for satisfaction in other places. I know I have turned to other things and people to make me happy, to bring me gratification and fulfillment, but only you can fill that empty spot in my life. You created everyone that way, so that we would realize our deep need for you. Lord, I get it, I understand now that only you can satisfy my longings. Help me to hunger and thirst for more of you. Help me to learn to be content in you and help me to walk in your ways. Times of refreshing can only be found in your presence, so please Lord, meet me now as I sit at your feet. Thank you. ❤
Growing with God 