Sweet Rest and Sleep – Jeremiah 31:26

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:26 (NIV)

“At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.”

Jeremiah 31:26 (MSG)

“Just then I woke up and looked around—what a pleasant and satisfying sleep!”

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“At this I (Jeremiah) awoke and looked, and my [trancelike] sleep was sweet [in the assurance it gave] to me.” -AMPLIFIED

“Jeremiah receives God’s messages in a variety of ways. In this dream-vision, he sees the future for his people. This is a sweet comfort and a welcomed contrast to other messages of doom and judgment. But as Jeremiah will see, God’s message of consolation is not only a hope of restoration for one rebellious nation, but a promise for all people. Jeremiah is perhaps best known as the prophet of the “new covenant.” According to the prophet, God is about to establish a new relationship with a new people. It will be unlike any earlier agreement. It will not be written on stone tablets that can be broken or on scrolls that can be lost or forgotten or even burned (36:23). No, this covenant between God and humanity is so intimate that it is to be written on the heart.” ~VOICE footnote

In yesterday’s passage, we found the Lord telling Israel that He would be the one who would refresh and satisfy them. God’s Message to them:

“Judah and all its cities will live in it together—also farmers and those who move with the flocks— for I satisfy the thirsty person and feed all those who are weak.” ‘Jeremiah 31:24-25 (CSB)

And now we come to a sidenote in the text. Here we find Jeremiah inserting a bit of information that was not a Message from the Lord, as he tells us the manner in which the previous Message was received. Jeremiah tells us:

“At this moment, I woke up from a wonderful sleep and looked around.” -(VOICE)

Immediately after receiving that last bit of information about the Lord giving to Israel refreshment and satisfaction, Jeremiah woke up. Apparently, the Lord was speaking to Jeremiah in a dream or vision, and Jeremiah tells us that it was a wonderful, sweet, satisfying rest.

“At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep had been pleasant to me.” -(NASB)

How sweet it is when our minds go to sleep with the Lord on our mind, and His presence remains with us as we rest. In this instance, the Lord used this opportunity to give to Jeremiah a Message for His people, and that Message was filled with hope and encouragement that was a blessing and pleasant to Jeremiah.

“Our rest lies in looking to the Lord, not to ourselves.” ~Watchman Nee

“(Then Jeremiah wakened. “Such sleep is very sweet!” he said.)” -(TLB)

“Jeremiah now “awakes” from the vision.  Since previous visions have come while he is awake, this may simply refer to the vision itself being sweet.  On the other hand, this could equally have been a vision received in a dream.  God is not limited to the means by which He reveals Himself to His prophets.” ~Melissa Beaty

Scripture reminds us that God desires for us to have sweet rest and sleep.

David tells us that we can have good sleep at night because the Lord supports and sustains us:

“I lie down at night and fall asleep. I awake in the morning—healthy, strong, vibrant—because the Eternal supports me.” -Psalm 3:5 (VOICE)

David also tells us that good rest hinges on trusting in the Lord:

“Tonight I will sleep securely on a bed of peace because I trust You, You alone, O Eternal One, will keep me safe.” -Psalm 4:8 (VOICE)

Solomon shares that good sleep comes from a clear conscience, from obeying God:

“My son, never lose sight of God’s wisdom and knowledge: make decisions out of true wisdom, guard your good sense, and they will be life to your soul and fine jewelry around your neck. Then each one of your steps will land securely on your life’s journey, and you will not trip or fall. Your mind will be clear, free from fear; when you lie down to rest, you will be refreshed by sweet sleep. Stay calm; there is no need to be afraid of a sudden disaster or to worry when calamity strikes the wicked, for the Eternal is always there to protect you. He will safeguard your each and every step.” -Proverbs 3:21-26 (VOICE)

“In His time, God gives us rest from every test.” ~Woodrow Kroll

Jesus promised to give His followers rest. His stipulation, they were to go to Him and accept the rest that He has offered you:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Put My yoke upon your shoulders—it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves. Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. When you are yoked to Me, your weary souls will find rest.” -Matthew 11:28-29 (VOICE)

“Christ’s invitation to the weary and heavy-laden is a call to begin life over again upon a new principle–upon His own principle. “Watch My way of doing things,” He says. “Follow Me. Take life as I take it. Be meek and lowly, and you will find Rest.”” ~Henry Drummond

Paul encourages us not to be anxious about things, but instead, pray, give those worries and cares to the Lord, and allow Him to give you peace and rest:

“Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.” -Philippians 4:6-7 (VOICE)

“No soul can be really at rest until it has given up all dependence on everything else and has been forced to depend on the Lord alone. As long as our expectation is from other things, nothing but disappointment awaits us.” ~Hannah Whitall Smith

My friend, the Lord desires for us to have sweet rest and sleep. He is the One who taught us to rest, taking off the seventh day of Creation in order to rest, setting us a precedence to follow. Are you having trouble resting or sleeping? Turn to the Word of God and reread those passages about giving all your cares and worries to the Lord. Remind yourself of the need to trust Him with your cares and worries. Give to Him all those issues and troubles, you were never meant to carry those burdens. Once you have given Him those cares, stop yourself from taking them back. Trust that He will take care of them for you and accept the peace and rest that He desires you to have.

“As long as I am content to know that He is infinitely greater than I, and that I cannot know Him unless He shows Himself to me, I will have Peace, and He will be near me and in me, and I will rest in Him.” ~Thomas Merton

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I cannot change one thing about my life by worrying over it. I know, I have tried. I am learning that instead; I need to give those cares to you. I need to hand the burdens over and trust you to work all things out for good. Sometimes relinquishing control is a struggle. But letting go and allowing you to work out things in your way, the best way, is the better choice. I am learning! So, Lord, I ask you to remind me, every night, as I lay my head to rest, to first take the time to place every worry, care, and concern into your capable hands, and to leave them there. I am reminded that you are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think (Eph. 3:20), so I am putting my faith and trust in you. Thank you for being my support, I know I can always rely on and trust in you. ❤ 

Finding Refreshment and Satisfaction -Jeremiah 31:24-25

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. ❤

Going Home! – Jeremiah 31:23

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:23 (NIV)

“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity, the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: ‘The Lord bless you, you prosperous city, you sacred mountain.’”

Jeremiah 31:23 (MSG)

“A Message from Israel’s God-of-the-Angel-Armies: “When I’ve turned everything around and brought my people back, the old expressions will be heard on the streets: ‘God bless you!’ . . . ‘O True Home!’ . . . ‘O Holy Mountain!’”

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“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, “Once more they will speak these words in the land of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) and in her cities when I restore their fortunes and release them from exile, ‘The Lord bless you, O habitation of justice and righteousness, O holy mountain!’” -AMPLIFIED

“Jerusalem was cursed because of sin; but God declared that, in his great mercy, he would make it to be a place of blessing, and men should speak of it as the “habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness.” ~Charles Spurgeon

The Lord is speaking to Israel, His unfaithful daughter, encouraging her to turn away from her sin, and turn back to Him. He tells her that if she will repent, and do a 180, turning from her sin, then He can do something new in her:

“How long will you turn here and there, faithless daughter?
For the Lord creates something new in the land—a female will shelter a man.” -Jeremiah 31:22 (CSB)

Over and over again we are reminded that God’s intentions for Israel were for good, not evil. He wanted to give her hope and a future, and we see this fact stated once again in today’s text, as the Lord speaks about bringing His children home.

“This is what the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies and God of Israel, has to say: Eternal One: When I bring them back from exile, people throughout the land and villages of Judah will speak these familiar words: “May the Eternal bless you, home of righteousness, O sacred mountain!” -(VOICE)

Jeremiah reiterates that it is the Lord speaking, Adonai-Tzva’ot, the Lord of Hosts, the Commander of heavenly armies. So, what the Lord has to say has power and strength behind it.

The Lord says: “When I bring you back…” This is a reminder of the fact that the Lord will be the One who will bring them home. Everything that has happened to Israel was because of the Lord’s divine hand working. He sent them away in order to discipline them. He will bring them home in order to restore them. Nothing happened in their lives by accident or chance, God’s purpose and plan was always at work in their lives.

When the Lord brought them home and restored them, then the people would say once again: “‘The Lord bless you, O righteous home, O holy mountain!’” -(NLT)

 “When the southern kingdom and her cities are restored, the old greeting of those visiting Jerusalem will be heard once more.” ~Feinberg

The point is, God would bring them home. The Lord would restore them and when He did so, the blessings would return.

“The Lord, the God of Israel, says: When I bring them back again, they shall say in Judah and her cities, “The Lord bless you, O center of righteousness, O holy hill!”” -(TLB)

“The Lord spoke of a coming day when this blessing would be said by the Jewish people as they returned to Zion and came to Jerusalem as pilgrims. This blessing indicates that the government of Israel is transformed and righteously governed by the Messiah, who makes Jerusalem a home of justice, and mountain of holiness.” ~David Guzik

God wants to prepare us to go home to be with Him as well. Scripture teaches us:

1.) God wants to turn us away from our sinful ways: “When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.” -Acts 3:26 (NIV)

2.) God wants to work in our hearts, in order to fulfill His purposes: “…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” -Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

3.) Jesus comforted His followers with this promise of home: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” -John 14:1-4 (NIV)

4.) God is preparing us for our heavenly home: “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (NIV)

5.) Remember, this world is not our home: “For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.” -Hebrews 13:14 (TLB)

6.) In the end, God will bring His children home to be with Him: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” -Revelation 21:3-4 (NIV)

“My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.” ~Billy Graham

My friend, this world is not our home. We are just pilgrims traveling through, on our way to heaven. God is using this life to prepare us for what is yet to come. We need to keep that fact at the forefront of our minds and accept the discipline of the Father as He works in your life to prepare you for what lies ahead. Our eternal home, where we will dwell forever with our Lord and Savior, is what we need to keep our focus on, not on this world and its temporary pleasures. Please, keep your eyes on the goal.

“So, the great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God’s commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage. And the tragedy of life is to fail in that test and so fail to qualify to return in glory to our heavenly home.” ~Henry B. Eyring

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, home is such a sweet word. It fills my mind with peace and contentment. Heaven, home with you, is my goal. Once again, I am reminded that this world is not my home. And I am so thankful that is true, because all I see is chaos and unrest in this place. I have realized that all that glitters is not gold. I am looking forward to an eternity spent with you, and I am working at storing up for myself treasures in heaven that will never fade. Lord, help me not become distracted by the things of this world. Help me to remain submissive as you discipline me and work in me for your purposes, because I know that your intention is to prepare me to be with you forevermore. Thank you, Lord.

Adonai will Do a New Thing – Jeremiah 31:22

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:22 (NIV)

“How long will you wander, unfaithful Daughter Israel? The Lord will create a new thing on earth—the woman will return to the man.”

Jeremiah 31:22 (MSG)

“How long will you flit here and there, indecisive? How long before you make up your fickle mind? God will create a new thing in this land: a transformed woman will embrace the transforming God!”

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“How long will you hesitate [to return], O you faithless and renegade daughter? For the Lord has created a new thing in the land [of Israel]: a woman will encompass (tenderly love) a man.” -AMPLIFIED

“This passage probably personifies Israel as an erring but deeply penitent wife, who will devote herself to winning back and being worthy of the love of her divine husband and Lord, who had rejected her.” ~AMPLFIED footnote

In yesterday’s text, we found the Lord instructing the people of Israel to be sure to put up signposts, so they could find their way home. God’s Message:

“Set up road markers for yourself; establish signposts!
Keep the highway in mind, the way you have traveled.
Return, Virgin Israel! Return to these cities of yours.” -Jeremiah 31:21 (CSB)

The point is, God wanted them to find their way home to Him. We grasp this truth further as we look to today’s text, and find the Lord asking:

“How long will you drift this way and that, my renegade daughter? Take heart—for now the Eternal will do a new thing on the earth: a woman will surround a man.”-(VOICE)

Adonai inquires, “How long?” How long will you drift? How long will wander? How long will you flirt with the things of the world? How long will you hesitate to return to me?

And then we find the Lord calling Israel an unruly daughter, a renegade, wayward, and unfaithful. Exactly what she was; He does not ever attach to us a label that is not true. But He does not tiptoe around our sin. He calls it exactly what it is.

Thankfully, the Lord does not leave Israel in a hopeless place. As we have noticed before, He points out Israel’s sin, but encourages her with the change that could be brought about if she would but repent and turn from that sin. In this case, if the unfaithful daughter would return to Him, follow the signposts back to Him, then He would cause something new to happen. The Lord would embrace and transform Israel.

If we dig a little deeper into the final words of this verse, which are difficult to understand, we can find even more hope. The Lord says to Israel:

• “A woman will shelter a man.” -(NASB)
• “A woman will go seeking a man.” -(NCV)
• “Israel will embrace her God.” -(NLT)

There is hope in that statement. Israel would one day return to Adonai. There are many theologians who believe that this is a reference alluding to the coming of the Messiah, which is possible. But it is more likely that it refers to an unfaithful Israel returning to and seeking after her first love, Adonai, and finally finding Him.

Remember, when they find Him once again, His intention is to do a new thing for them.

“How long will you vacillate, O wayward daughter? For the Lord will cause something new and different to happen—Israel will search for God.” -(TLB)

“God still asks in pity, “how long will you seek here and there for comfort?” You will never find it till you come back to your God. Emptiness is written upon everything till the heart comes to its Saviour and Lord.” ~Charles Spurgeon

God is waiting patiently for His children to come home to Him. He will never force Himself on us, He is a gentleman waiting for us to ask Him to come and do for us what only He can do, make all things new.

Let us look at a few Scripture verses that stress the fact that God does not want us to stay the same, but He wants us to change. He wants to do new things in and through us.

May we grasp and fully understand something that Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. It is only because of what God has done for us, that we can become new creations. If we repent and turn from our sin, then the old life is over, the new life has begun!

“Because of all that God has done, we now have a new perspective. We used to show regard for people based on worldly standards and interests. No longer. We used to think of the Anointed the same way. No longer. Therefore, if anyone is united with the Anointed One, that person is a new creation. The old life is gone—and see—a new life has begun! All of this is a gift from our Creator God, who has pursued us and brought us into a restored and healthy relationship with Him through the Anointed. And He has given us the same mission, the ministry of reconciliation, to bring others back to Him. It is central to our good news that God was in the Anointed making things right between Himself and the world. This means He does not hold their sins against them. But it also means He charges us to proclaim the message that heals and restores our broken relationships with God and each other. So we are now representatives of the Anointed One, the Liberating King; God has given us a charge to carry through our lives—urging all people on behalf of the Anointed to become reconciled to the Creator God.” -2 Corinthians 5:16-20 (VOICE)

In the book of Isaiah, we find the Lord telling Israel that the past is in the past, but He wanted to do new things for them. And He tells them what those new things will look like.

Eternal One: “I am the Eternal One. By righteousness I have called you. I will take you by the hand and keep you safe. You are given as a covenant between Me and the people: a light for the nations, a shining beacon to the world. You will open blind eyes so they will see again. You will lead prisoners, blinking, out from caverns of captivity, from cells pitch black with despair. I am the Eternal One. I Am is My name. My beauty is unique, a weighty splendor all My own. And nothing else—no idols could possibly gain My praise. Look here, what’s done is done and gone. The now is new, and there’s hope in the not-yet. I will tell you what’s to come, even before the events are brand-new.” -Isaiah 42:6-9 (VOICE)

Also, in the book of Isaiah, we find the Lord encouraging Israel to stop focusing on their past, and start looking for the new things that He would do in their lives.

Eternal One: “Don’t revel only in the past, or spend all your time recounting the victories of days gone by. Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak, and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; waters will flow where there had been none.” -Isaiah 43:18-19 (VOICE)

And again, in Isaiah, we find the Lord describing for Israel His Master plan for them, and His plan, His intentions are definitely for good.

Eternal One: “Now look here! I am creating new heavens and a new earth. The weary and painful past will be as if it never happened. No one will talk or even think about it anymore. So take joy and celebrate with unending gladness on account of what I am creating. Look carefully! I am making this place I’ve chosen, this Jerusalem, a city of joy. I’m making her citizens, My people, a people of gladness. This Jerusalem, My pride and joy, and her people will be a delight to Me. Though you listen at every corner, you will never hear crying, never hear despair or grief. Never again will a person not live a full life, for the young will live to be a hundred and any who die earlier will be considered cursed. People will confidently build houses and make them their homes; they will plant vineyards and enjoy their fruit for years to come. They won’t worry that someone else will come along, drive them out, and take it all away. For My people will live as long as these age-old trees; my chosen will use up and wear out whatever they make. They will not work hard for what others take away; they will not lose children to sudden terror and death. For they are the offspring of those blessed by the Eternal; they and their descendants will enjoy God’s blessings. I’ll anticipate their prayers and respond before they know it; even as they speak, I will hear. But they’ll all eat together like friends—wolf and lamb, lion and ox, and the biting snake will feed on dust. When that day arrives, there will be no evil, no violence, no hurt or wrong in all My sacred mountain.” -Isaiah 65:17-25 (VOICE)

“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” ~Warren Wiersbe

My friend, God wants to do new things in your life too. Let us stop thinking that we are a hopeless case, that God could not possibly help us. Let us also stop looking back to our past, getting hung up on our guilt and sin. Instead, look forward, keep your eyes on the goal. God has new things in store for our lives, and ultimately, a new heaven and a new earth. Put your hope and trust in the One who can and will make all things new!

“The same Jesus Who turned water into wine can transform your home, your life, your family, and your future. He is still in the miracle-working business, and His business is the business of transformation.” ~Adrian Rogers

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, you are in the transforming and changing business. You have instructed me to turn away from my sin. To follow the signposts home to you, so that you can change me into something new. There are many promises in your Word that stress the fact that you desire to do a new thing within the hearts of your children. You want to make them new. Lord, I want to submit, but sometimes that old nature rears its ugly head. I ask for your help in laying aside that old nature. Help me to crucify the flesh, I yield to you, Lord. Please, begin a new work within me. Thank you, Lord.

Set Up for Yourself Road Signs-Jeremiah 31:21

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:21(NIV)

“Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take. Return, Virgin Israel, return to your towns.”

Jeremiah 31:21 (MSG)

“Set up signposts to mark your trip home. Get a good map. Study the road conditions. The road out is the road back. Come back, dear virgin Israel, come back to your hometowns.”

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“Place for yourself road signs [toward Canaan], make for yourself guideposts; turn your thought and attention to the highway, to the way by which you went [into exile]. Retrace your steps, O virgin of Israel, return to these your cities.” -AMPLIFIED

“Jeremiah pictured a clear road with signposts and landmarks that would guide Israel back to the land and restored relationship with their Covenant God. They would come back to the relationship they once had (the way in which you went), to their first love with God.” ~David Guzik

In yesterday’s text, we were reminded that God, our Heavenly Father, looks upon us in love as His children. His thoughts towards us are loving and tender. God’s Message to Israel was:

“Isn’t Ephraim a precious son to me, a delightful child? Whenever I speak against him, I certainly still think about him. Therefore, my inner being yearns for him; I will truly have compassion on him.
This is the Lord’s declaration.” -Jeremiah 31:20 (CSB)

And as the Lord continues to speak to His children about the coming exile that they would embark on, He encourages them to put up road signs, signposts, or guideposts, so that they can easily find their way home one day. God’s Message to them:

“Set up markers along the road; put up guideposts so you can find your way home. Pay attention to the highway, the road you take into exile. Return by the same way, My virgin Israel; return to your cities and villages.” -(VOICE)

An allegory is used here to help the people better understand what the Lord was speaking about, and the image of a highway was used to convey to them what was needed for them to prepare their wandering hearts for the return home.

The Lord encourages the people to be thinking about their future. They should be forward thinking, so that they would be able to find their way home.

 “God bids them set up waymarks, and make high heaps, that they may know how to come back to him.” ~Charles Spurgeon

God instructs the people of Israel to set up road signs, which were often rock heaps, high heaps, which would mark the way home. For they were told to prepare for their return, because it would happen one day. One day, they would come home.

Mark your pathway well!

“As you travel into exile, set up road signs pointing back to Israel. Mark your pathway well. For you shall return again, O virgin Israel, to your cities here.” -(TLB)

“God tells the Jews to turn around and walk back the way they came.  The point is to undo what they have done and return to their original path, the highway of righteousness.  They are to set up waymarks and heaps to clearly mark the way that they should go.” ~Melissa Beaty

In Hebrew, the word signpost is tsiyyun. At its basic meaning it means a monument. Strong’s Concordance gives us this definition: “From the same as tsiyah in the sense of conspicuousness; a monumental or guiding pillar — sign, title, waymark.”

So, a signpost would be something, whether a memorial or a heap of rocks, or something else entirely, that would attract or catch our attention, and mentally draw our awareness back to God, at least in this case.

What are some of the signposts that we should have in place in our own lives that would draw our attention back to God when we have become distracted or wandered away from Him?

First, God’s Word, the Bible, is a guidepost. Scripture reminds us: “Your word is a lamp for my steps; it lights the path before me.” -Psalm 119:105 (VOICE)

Second, God has given us the Holy Spirit to be our Guide. Scripture tells us: “Anyone who loves Me will listen to My voice and obey. The Father will love him, and We will draw close to him and make a dwelling place within him.” -John 14:23 (VOICE)

Thirdly, God instructs us to set up remembrances of what He has done for us in the past, in other words, make a memorial. Scripture instructs us to:

• “Remember how the Eternal, your True God, led you through the wilderness these past 40 years. He did this to humble you, to test you, to uncover your motivations, to see if you would obey His commands.” -Deuteronomy 8:2 (VOICE)
• “Remember the old days. For I am God; there is no other. I am God; there are no other gods like Me.” -Isaiah 46:9 (VOICE)
• “I will remember the actions the Eternal has taken,
      reminisce on Your ancient wonders.” -Psalm 77:11 (VOICE)
• “And so we come to the end of this musing over life. My advice to you is to remember your Creator, God, while you are young: before life gets hard and the injustice of old age comes upon you—before the years arrive when pleasure feels far out of reach— ² before the sun and light and the moon and stars fade to darkness and before cloud-covered skies return after the rain.” -Ecclesiastes 12:1-2 (VOICE)

“Whatever we focus our attention on is what will dominate our thoughts (Proverbs 23:7). If our thoughts are dominated by the things of this world then we are going to get worldly results in our lives. We need to focus on God to get godly results.” ~Andrew Wommack

My friend, take the time to set up signposts in your life. These signposts are intended to draw our attention back to the Lord when we become distracted or have wandered away. Do not neglect this action because your spiritual life may very well depend on your obedience in doing this.

“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” ~C. S. Lewis

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am reminded in Scripture of the need to set up signposts in my life, reminders, even memorials, which will direct my attention back to you when I become distracted or have wandered away. If you saw the need for me to do this, then it is important for me to do so. Help me, Lord, to take the time to do so. Help me to daily take the time to spend time in your Word, to listen to the guidance of your Holy Spirit, and to take time to remember what you have done for me in the past. Help me to set up those memorials in my life, that draw my attention back to you, so that I can keep my focus on you. Thank you, Lord.

Our Loving Heavenly Father – Jeremiah 31:20

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:20 (NIV)

“Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the Lord.”

Jeremiah 31:20 (MSG)

“Oh! Ephraim is my dear, dear son, my child in whom I take pleasure! Every time I mention his name, my heart bursts with longing for him! Everything in me cries out for him. Softly and tenderly I wait for him.” God’s Decree.”

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“Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a darling and beloved child? For as often as I have spoken against him,
I certainly still remember him. Therefore My affection is renewed and My heart longs for him; I will surely have mercy on him,” says the Lord.” -AMPLIFIED

“‘Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child?” You might expect the answer to be, “No, he has lost the rights of childhood; he has been unpleasant and provoking to God, “ yet God does not give such an answer as that to his own questions, but he says:- “For since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still;” Notwithstanding that the Lord threatened him, and sent prophets to foretell evil to him because of his sin, yet he says, “I do earnestly remember him still;”-“Therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him saith the LORD.” What a wonderful speech for God to make! Even the infinitely-blessed God represents himself as in trouble concerning penitent sinners, remembering them in pity, and longing to have mercy upon them.” ~Charles Spurgeon

The Lord, who knows everything about us, from the beginning of our lives, till the end, foretold what the response of Israel would one day be to their sin. One day, they would come to the end of themselves and would declare:

“I have surely heard Ephraim moaning,
“You disciplined me, and I have been disciplined
like an untrained calf.
Take me back, so that I can return,
for you, Lord, are my God. After my return, I felt regret; after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief.
I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.” -Jeremiah 31:18-19 (CSB)

And once they did reach that place, then the Lord, our loving Father, will respond in this way:

“So I, the Eternal One, asked: “Is this not Ephraim, My beloved son, My darling child? As often as I speak against him, I have never forgotten him. Even now, My heart longs for him; I will surely show him mercy!” -(VOICE)

The Lord’s response to Israel’s confession and realization will be that of a loving Father. His love for them will not have lessened. In fact, His love for them remained strong, hence why He says in the future His response to them will be:

“Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a delightful child? Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him; Therefore My heart yearns for him; I will certainly have mercy on him,” declares the Lord.” -(NASB)

Let us take note of a few things in this verse:

First, God looked on Israel as His dear, precious child.

Second, God had to discipline that child in order to train Him in the way he should go, but it that discipline was for a purpose, and it was done out of love.

Third, even though God needed to discipline Israel; His love for them did not lessen. He still longed for Israel, His heart yearned for the people.

Fourth, because of the Lord’s deep love for Israel, He knew that He needed to have mercy on this wayward child.

Let’s take a moment to look at something that Hosea recorded for us about God’s feelings towards Israel:

“When Israel was a child, I loved him; and out of Egypt I called My son. But the more I called to Israel the more they walked away from Me. They kept on sacrificing to other divine masters and burning incense to idols! But I was the one who taught Ephraim to walk, holding him up by his arms, but his people didn’t know I was the One who took care of them. I led them along with leather cords; with ropes of love I showed them the way. As I dealt with them, I lifted the yoke from their neck; I bent down to give them their food.” -Hosea 11:1-4 (VOICE)

The Lord goes on to say:

“But how can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I turn you over to your enemies, Israel? How can I give you away as I did Admah or treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within Me, and all at once My compassion is stirred up. I will not carry out My burning anger; I will not destroy Ephraim completely. For I am God, not a human being; I am the Holy One in your midst; I won’t unleash My anger for an attack.” -Hosea 11:8-9 (VOICE)

How great is the love of the Father towards His children!

“And the Lord replies: Ephraim is still my son, my darling child. I had to punish him, but I still love him. I long for him and surely will have mercy on him.” -(TLB)

“We need to realize that God is a good Father, and sometimes that’s hard to do if our earthly fathers were deeply flawed. Perceiving God’s goodness – toward us – and the depths of His love are incredibly healing. Appreciating our privileges and responsibilities as children of God brings us deeper into our relationship with God and clarifies our role in life.” ~Fritz Chery

Scripture reminds us that the Lord is our loving, caring Heavenly Father. He cherishes us with an everlasting love that will never quit, and we can learn much from His Word about His great love for us. And we all need reminding of that love from time to time.

1.) God loved us while we were still sinners. “But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Anointed One died for us.” -Romans 5:8 (VOICE)

2.) God’s love for us will never end: “How enduring is God’s loyal love; the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion. Here they are, every morning, new! Your faithfulness, God, is as broad as the day.” -Lamentations 3:22-23 (VOICE)

3.) Nothing can separate us from God’s love: “For I have every confidence that nothing—not death, life, heavenly messengers, dark spirits, the present, the future, spiritual powers, height, depth, nor any created thing—can come between us and the love of God revealed in the Anointed, Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:38-39 (VOICE)

4.) God’s love is personal; for He calls us His children: “Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children. And in the same way the world didn’t recognize Him, the world does not recognize us either.” -1 John 3:1 (VOICE)

5.) God treats us as His natural born children: “Endure hardship as God’s discipline and rejoice that He is treating you as His children, for what child doesn’t experience discipline from a parent? But if you are not experiencing the correction that all true children receive, then it may be that you are not His children after all.” -Hebrews 12:7-8 (VOICE)

6.) God lovingly disciplines His children: “My son, do not ignore the Eternal’s instruction or lose heart when He steps in to correct you; because the Eternal proves His love by caring enough to discipline you, just as a father does his child, his pride and joy.” -Proverbs 3:11-12 (VOICE)

7.) God is merciful to us, not giving to us what we deserve: “Thankfully, God does not punish us for our sins and depravity as we deserve. In His mercy, He tempers justice with peace.” -Psalm 103:10 (VOICE)

“God loves you just as you are, but He also loves you enough to not let you stay how you are. He wants to see you grow and change for the better. He sent Jesus to die for your sins so this would be possible. When you receive God’s forgiveness and accept God’s help, you can begin to work toward positive, lasting change.” ~Faith Eng

My friend, our Heavenly Father, is a loving, caring father. He may need to discipline us, but His discipline is always tempered with mercy. He is not out to destroy us, but to help us to grow, and become a better person, the person He intends us to be. His love for us is strong, and deep, and consistent, unchanging. So, do not worry that you have been too sinful, too bad, too disobedient to be saved. He is patiently waiting for you to realize the depth of your sin, and for you to repent, confess that sin, and to turn back to Him. Do it today, please don’t wait.

“Everything a godly parent wants for their child; God wants for us. The Bible is His love letter to us, a letter to be treasured.” ~David Jeremiah

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, here I am again, in need of your forgiveness. I confess, I have made a mess of things once again. I have foolishly thought that I could do life on my own. I have turned to other things to bring me satisfaction, something that only you can do. Please forgive me. I am so thankful that you are merciful and kind. I am so grateful for your love that never changes, for your mercies that are new every morning. Lord, you are so good to me. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family. Help me to grow into the person that you have created me to be. I know I need your help, but you are waiting for me to be submissive to your tender hand. Lord, I surrender, help me to stay that way. Thank you, Lord. ❤

Coming to the End of Ourselves -Jeremiah 31:19

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:19 (NIV)

“After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’”

Jeremiah 31:19 (MSG)

“After those years of running loose, I repented. After you trained me to obedience, I was ashamed of my past, my wild, unruly past. Humiliated, I beat on my chest. Will I ever live this down?’”

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“‘After I turned away [from You], I repented; after I was instructed, I struck my thigh [in remorse]; I was ashamed and even humiliated because I carried the disgrace of my youth [as a nation].’” -AMPLIFIED

“We must consider that we are not in a history, or a narration of things done, but in a prophecy foretelling what should come to pass. The prophet foretelleth that before this promised deliverance should come, the Israelites should be in another temper, that their uncircumcised hearts should be humbled, they should accept of the punishment of their sins, confess God’s justice and righteousness, and their own wantonness and unruliness, pray unto God to change their hearts, which would never else be changed, and change their conditions, which would depend upon that change of their hearts..” ~Matthew Poole

Jeremiah recorded for us what the Lord foretold would be the response of Israel one day towards His discipline. The people would one day say:

“I have surely heard Ephraim moaning, “You disciplined me, and I have been disciplined like an untrained calf. Take me back, so that I can return, for you, Lord, are my God.” -Jeremiah 31:18 (CSB)

As we look to today’s text, we find the response of the people continuing, as they respond to and accept responsibility for their actions towards, and sin against the Lord. Israel would one day say:

“After I had turned away from You, I repented. I turned back toward You when I understood what I had done; I slapped my thigh in shame and regret for the disgraceful things I did when I was young.” -(VOICE)

The Lord says that one day Israel, also known as Ephraim, will stop making their excuses, and they will finally confess that it was they who turned away from the Lord. They will repent, and when they do so, they will turn back to the Lord. On day, they would come to the end of themselves, and realize their great need for the Lord. At that time, they would also understand that all that the Lord had allowed to happen to them was for their own good. He was using every situation to turn their wayward hearts back to Him. Every situation was intended to instruct and teach them to walk in humble obedience before Him. And the Lord says that when they finally grasp this truth, when they finally understand, they will be both ashamed and humiliated for the way they acted before, when they were young.

“Instructed – Brought to my senses by suffering. The smiting upon the thigh is a sign of sorrow.” ~Albert Barnes

In the book of Ezekiel, we find the Lord telling the people of Israel what the purpose of His discipline is for:

“Then you will recall your evil ways and wicked deeds. You will recognize how bad they were and hate yourselves for all the shocking and despicable things you did!” -Ezekiel 36:31 (VOICE)

Each of us must come to the end of ourselves and realize that we cannot do life without Him.

“I turned away from God, but I was sorry afterwards. I kicked myself for my stupidity. I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in younger days.” -(TLB)

“Israel recognized that their misfortunes were not accidents of blind fate. They were chastisements from the LORD, which they now humbly accepted as if they were an untrained bull that needed to be broken in some sense and brought into submission…In total dependence upon God, they realized that they could not return to God without His restoring work. They humbly asked God to restore them so they could return… In turning to God, they understood that their behavior had to change. It meant repentance…Having returned to God, they were ashamed of their past sin and rebellion, of the sins of their youth. In the manner of a person greatly moved or upset, they struck themselves on the thigh.” ~David Guzik

In our foolish pride we too often think we have life all figured out. In reality, we don’t. We cannot do life without God, and we need to come to that realization sooner than later. Consider something that Jesus told the crowd during the Sermon on the Mount:

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” -Matthew 5:3-4 (MSG)

“Blessed are the spiritually poor—the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who mourn—they will be comforted.” -Matthew 5:3-4 (VOICE)

When we remember that God’s ways are not our ways, we will finally realize that we need to do things His way.

“My intentions are not always yours, and I do not go about things as you do. My thoughts and My ways are above and beyond you, just as heaven is far from your reach here on earth.” -Isaiah 55:8-9 (VOICE)

When we grasp the fact that God disciplines those He loves, we should realize how deeply He does love us.

“For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He corrects each one He takes as His own.” -Hebrews 12:6 (VOICE)

When we accept the fact that God’s intentions for us are for good, not evil, we will be on the right road of life.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” -Jeremiah 29:11 (VOICE)

“For us to be transformed increasingly into Christ’s likeness, we need God’s correction: “He disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:10-11).” ~Randy Alcorn

My friend, please, please, please, do not ever think that God hates you, or does not care for you. He is waiting for all of us to come to the end of our rope, the end of ourselves. When we finally realize that we cannot do life without Him, and we surrender to Him as our Lord and Savior, then He can step in and instruct us in the way we should go. We need to trust that God’s intentions for us have always been for our good.

“If we will only surrender ourselves utterly to the Lord, and will trust Him perfectly, we shall find our souls “mounting up with wings as eagles” to the “heavenly places” in Christ Jesus, where earthly annoyances or sorrows have no power to disturb us.” ~Hannah Whitall Smith

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am reminded again that your ways are not my ways. Your ways are better, higher. Your intentions for my life were planned even before I was thought of, definitely before I was born. I must keep reminding myself that your plans are for good, not evil; too often I fail to remember that. I confess, I have been angry with you, Lord. I have been frustrated. And each time it comes down to the fact that I have insisted on doing things my own way, not yours. Please forgive me. Help me to walk in your ways. Help me to trust that your plans for my life are meant for good. Help me to remember how deep your love for me truly is, and that you care for me more than I could even imagine. I am so thankful for you, Lord. Please, continue to be patient with me as I learn to walk in your ways. Thank you, Lord.

The Lord Hears the Repentant Heart -Jeremiah 31:18

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:18 (NIV)

“I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been disciplined. Restore me, and I will return, because you are the Lord my God.”

Jeremiah 31:18 (MSG)

“I’ve heard the contrition of Ephraim. Yes, I’ve heard it clearly, saying, ‘You trained me well. You broke me, a wild yearling horse, to the saddle. Now put me, trained and obedient, to use. You are my God.”

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“I have surely heard Ephraim (Israel) moaning and grieving, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, like a bull unaccustomed to the yoke or an untrained calf; bring me back that I may be restored, for You are the Lord my God.” -AMPLIFIED

“After all that the Jews will go through, Ephraim will humble himself and cry out to God.  He will demonstrate the repentant man; accepting chastisement from God for his sins, he will submit to the rule of God in his life.” ~Melissa Beaty

Over the past few days, we have look at the reminder of God promising to turn Israel’s lamenting into joy. He encouraged them that He was giving to them a hope for their future:

“There is hope for your future—this is the Lord’s declaration—and your children will return to their own territory.” -Jeremiah 31:17 (CSB)

And as we turn to today’s text, we are reminded once again that the Lord hears the cry of the repentant heart.

“I have heard the cries of Ephraim, groaning, “You have disciplined me. I was like an unruly calf, but You disciplined me. Bring me back, so I can return home, for You are my God, the Eternal.”-(VOICE)

As we begin, we need to understand that these are the Words of the Lord. He is foretelling what Israel, also known as Ephraim, will say one day.

The Lord states that He will hear the lamentations, the moans, and the groans of Israel. He very well will be aware of what would be happening in their hearts when they finally realized, and became aware of the depths of their sin. At that point, they would also become aware of the great depth of His grace and mercy.

The Lord foretells that Israel will one day realize that they have been like an unruly calf, which is an apt metaphor of the unruly, untrainable, undiscipline Israel. One day, these words would be spoken by the people of Israel, when they realized how deep their sin and rebellion against the Lord truly was:

“You have disciplined me, and I was corrected, like an untrained calf; bring me back that I may be restored, for You are the Lord my God.” -(NASB)

One day, the people of Israel will confess that they have sinned. They will acknowledge that Adonai alone is God, and they will profess that He is their God. Hallelujah!

NOTE: In Hebrew, the words restore, return, and strayed all have the same root, it is shedar, which means to struggle or strive. God’s people will have struggled and stived, but He would return and restore those who have strayed.

“I have heard Ephraim’s groans: “You have punished me greatly; but I needed it all, as a calf must be trained for the yoke. Turn me again to you and restore me, for you alone are the Lord, my God.” -(TLB)

“There is never a penitent in this world bemoaning himself without God hearing him. Do not think that a single penitential cry ever rises unheeded from a contrite heart. That cannot be; God has a quick ear for the cries of penitents.” ~Charles Spurgeon

Scripture reminds us that:

God knows our hearts and our minds:

“O Eternal One, You have explored my heart and know exactly who I am…”-Psalm 139:1 (VOICE)

God turns our hearts back to Him when we have strayed:

“Bring us back to You, God. Turn the light of Your face upon us so that we will be rescued from this sea of darkness.” -Psalm 80:3 (VOICE)

God hears us when we cry out to Him:

“In my time of need, I called to the Eternal; I begged my True God for help. He heard my voice echo up to His temple, and my cry came to His ears.” -Psalm 18:6 (VOICE)

God forgives us:

“Come on now, let’s walk and talk; let’s work this out. Your wrongdoings are bloodred, but they can turn as white as snow. Your sins are red like crimson, but they can be made clean again like new wool.” -Isaiah 1:18 (VOICE)

God is gracious and compassionate:

“The Eternal One, your True God, is gracious and compassionate and will return to you if you return to Him.” -2 Chronicles 30:9B (VOICE)

God cares about us:

“Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries.” -1 Peter 5:7 (VOICE)

Remember this promise that the Lord gave to Israel, knowing already that they would turn from Him. God promised:

“I may stop the sky from sending rain. I may command the locusts to destroy the land. I may send sicknesses to my people. Then my people, who are called by my name, will be sorry for what they have done. They will pray and obey me and stop their evil ways. If they do, I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land. Now I will see them. And I will listen to the prayers prayed in this place.” -2 Chronicles 7:13-15 (ICB)

“True repentance is no light matter. It is a thorough change of heart about sin, a change showing itself in godly sorrow and humiliation – in heartfelt confession before the throne of grace – in a complete breaking off from sinful habits, and an abiding hatred of all sin. Such repentance is the inseparable companion of saving faith in Christ.” ~J. C. Ryle

My friend, the Lord hears the repentant heart. If you have strayed, He wishes for you to return to Him. He wants to restore you to a right relationship with Him. He is a kind, compassionate, forgiving God and He will answer you when you call. Humble yourself before Him and allow Him to be your All-In-All.

“We had long known the Lord without realizing that meekness and lowliness of heart should be the distinguishing feature of the disciple.” ~Andrew Murray

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I come to you, the God who hears me, the God who knows my heart, and I ask for your forgiveness. I confess, I have messed up. I have sinned and insisted on having my own way. My relationship with you is not as it should be. I humbly ask you to forgive me, to restore my relationship with you, and to help me to be the person that you desire me to be. I need you. I cannot live this life without you. Please help me, Lord. Hear my prayer. Thank you.

God will Turn Our Lament into Joy: Part 3 -Jeremiah 31:17

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:17 (NIV)

“So there is hope for your descendants,” declares the Lord. “Your children will return to their own land.”

Jeremiah 31:17 (MSG)

“There’s hope for your children.” God’s Decree.”

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“There is [confident] hope for your future,” says the Lord; “Your children will come back to their own country.” -AMPLIFIED

“As Rachel is represented as weeping for her children, so is she represented as mourning for the tribes that were carried away into captivity, yet is she comforted with the Lord’s gracious assurance, “they shall come again from the land of the enemy.” So they did, and there is to be a glorious future yet for the people of God of the ancient race of Abraham.” ~Charles Spurgeon

As we looked at yesterday’s text, we found the Lord encouraging Israel to stop their lamenting and weeping. Why? Because one day Rachel’s children, Israel, would return hope.

“This is what the Lord says: Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for the reward for your work will come—this is the Lord’s declaration—and your children will return from the enemy’s land.” -Jeremiah 31:16 (CSB)

And as the promise continues, we find a reminder that Adonai loves to instill hope in His children, as we find Him again repeating the fact that the children of Israel will come home.

“There is hope for your future, I promise. Your children will come home to their own land.” -(VOICE)

The Lord encourages the people of Israel to hope. They were not to give up in their time of struggle. Yes, things looked impossible, but they needed to remember that they served a God who did the impossible. He had demonstrated His abilities to them many times over. If He had saved and protected them in the past, could He not do so again?

The Lord says to the people: “Things may look hopeless to you. It may appear, to the physical eye, that you have no purpose to go on, that your dream of living forever in the Promised Land is over, but don’t give up, hold on, press on, there is still hope for your future. That hope will come to pass with your children.”

Those who walk with the Lord always have hope for the future!

“There is hope for your future, says the Lord, and your children will come again to their own land.”

“God’s comfort to poetic Rachel was not empty. She could be comforted because there was a reward and a restoration. Her children would come back from the land of the enemy. God’s promise of restoration meant that there is hope in your future.” ~David Guzik

There is hope for our future, yours and mine. God has a plan, no matter how messed up our life is right now at this moment, God can take our messes and uses them for His glory.

Remember, God has given all His children a hope to hold on to, make note of what Scripture tells us:

God’s hope gives us strength to press on when we are suffering:

“And that’s not all. We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance, which shapes our characters. When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness. And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love.” -Romans 5:3-5 (VOICE)

“The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead. Yet a glimpse is enough. It’s enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrows currently assail us aren’t worthy of comparison to that which waits over the horizon.” – Joni Eareckson Tada

God’s hope is an eternal, Living Hope, that should fill us with joy:

“Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [born anew] into an inheritance which is imperishable [beyond the reach of change] and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, who are being protected and shielded by the power of God through your faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time. In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy, receiving as the result [the outcome, the consummation] of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” -1 Peter 1:3-9 (AMP)

“You can look forward with hope, because one day there will be no more separation, no more scars, and no more suffering in My Father’s House. It’s the home of your dreams!” ~Anne Graham Lotz

God’s hope should fill us with confidence, because it means spending eternity with Him:

“For we can say all this to you confidently because it is the word of the Lord: we who are still alive and left behind when the Lord comes will not precede those who have fallen asleep in death. On that day, with a command that thunders into the world, with a voice of a chief heavenly messenger, and with a blast of God’s trumpet, the Lord Himself will descend from heaven; and all those who died in the Anointed One, our Liberating King, will rise from the dead first. Then we who are alive and left behind will be snatched up together with them into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is how we, the resurrected and the living, will be with Him forever. So comfort one another with this hope, and encourage one another with these words.” -1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (VOICE)

“Biblical hope is life changing certainty about the future … being certain about the future in a way that affects how you live now.” ~Tim Keller

My friend, in the end, there is always hope if we are following and trusting in the Lord. Please, do not lose sight of the fact that Jesus is our Living Hope, that God has good things in store for His children. Press on. Hold on. Do not quit before you have reached the final goal, eternity with our Lord and Savoir!

“Remember Whose you are and Whom you serve. Provoke yourself by recollection, and your affection for God will increase tenfold; your imagination will not be starved any longer, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and your hope will be inexpressibly bright.” ~Oswald Chambers

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, my hope is in you, you are my Living Hope. You are the One who encourages me to keep on, to never give up, because there is an eternity to be spent with you right around the corner. Lord, when the Enemy tries to discourage me, to distract me, or cause me to falter, help me to remember that this life is just a vapor, passing quickly. This is not the end, there is an eternity to be spent with you. This is my eternal, living hope, and I can hardly wait till I stand in your presence to worship you forevermore. Hallelujah! Maranatha!

God will Turn Our Lament into Joy: Part 2 -Jeremiah 31:16

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:16 (NIV)

 “This is what the Lord says: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” declares the Lord. “They will return from the land of the enemy.”

Jeremiah 31:16 (MSG)

“But God says, “Stop your incessant weeping, hold back your tears. Collect wages from your grief work.” God’s Decree. “They’ll be coming back home!”

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“Thus says the Lord, “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” says the Lord; “And your children will return from the enemy’s land.” -AMPLIFIED

“Sorrow and grief do not have the last word, either in Jeremiah or in Matthew. A mother may refuse to be comforted, but God will comfort her nonetheless.” ~Philip Ryken

In yesterday’s text, we found the Lord speaking of the deep sorrow that the Northern Kingdom would experience. (The Northern Kingdom was represented by Rachel.) He spoke of how she would lament and mourn over the loss of her children:

“This is what the Lord says: “A voice was heard in Ramah, a lament with bitter weeping—Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children because they are no more.” -Jeremiah 31:15 (CSB)

But the Lord encourages Rachel, that her weeping will not last forever. He promises that her children will return home. Rachel’s lament will be turned to joy!

“But listen to what the Eternal says: Eternal One: Do not weep, Rachel—wipe the tears from your eyes for I promise I will reward you for what you have done. Your children will return from this exile; they will come back home from this enemy land.” -(VOICE)

Our passage begins with the word “but”…thank God for those “but’s”!

Jeremiah did not want to leave the people without hope, for the Lord had hope in store for them. God did not want to leave His children broken and shattered, so He gave to them this directive with a promise attached to it.

“Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you,” says the Lord. “Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy.” -(NLT)

Many of the translations say, “they will come back…” Who are they? They are the children referred to, Rachel’s children from the last verse. They will come back; they will return home from their exile.

Think back to the promise given to Israel back in Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” -(AMP)

The Lord tells Israel that their hope and joy will one day be restored.

“But the Lord says: Don’t cry any longer, for I have heard your prayers and you will see them again; they will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy.” -(TLB)

“The Lord comforted “Rachel” by assuring her that her children would return from exile. All the work she had expended on them was not in vain. There was hope for their future.” ~Thomas Constable

Scripture reminds us that the Lord’s anger lasts only for a short time, but in the end, He will restore hope and joy. Consider something that David wrote:

• “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may endure for a night,
  But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5 (AMP)

• “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” -Psalm 30:5 (NASB)

• “His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.” -Psalm 30:5B (VOICE)

“Hope means expectancy when things are otherwise hopeless.” ~Gilbert K. Chesterton

When life becomes overwhelming, let us remind ourselves that God is our hope, just as the sons of Korah did, and let us continue to praise Him despite our circumstances.

“Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God. I should keep praising him, my Savior and my God.” -Psalm 42:11 (ICB)

My prayer for you echoes that of Paul’s as he prayed for the church in Rome:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” -Romans 15:13 (AMP)

“Optimism is a wish without warrant; Christian hope is a certainty, guaranteed by God himself. Optimism reflects ignorance as to whether good things will ever actually come. Christian hope expresses knowledge that every day of his life, and every moment beyond it, the believer can say with truth, on the basis of God’s own commitment, that the best is yet to come.” ~J. I. Packer

My friend, if you are a child of God, then He has extended to you hope. This world is not the end. Remember, your weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning! Hold on to the hope that is found in God’s Word. Every promise contained within its pages was meant for you.

“Let this one great, gracious, glorious fact lie in your spirit until it permeates all your thoughts and makes you rejoice even though you are without strength. Rejoice that the Lord Jesus has become your strength and your song – He has become your salvation.” ~Charles Spurgeon

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, you give me so many reasons to hold on to hope. Your Word is full of promise after promise, encouraging me to hold on, to press on, to keep on, because you are my LIVING HOPE! I can face every situation, every challenge, because you give me hope and you are my Hope. Thank you, Lord, I am so thankful for those promises, I am so grateful that you are my Hope. I am holding on to you and all of your promises, because you keep my hope alive.