REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional Spiritual, originally posted on July 30, 2018, is provided by Hee Jung Lee. Hee Jung, a graduate of Biblical Theological Seminary, serves at Catalyst Agape Church (New Jersey) along with her husband Pastor Sam Lee.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“The Heart of God”
Jeremiah 31: 15-17
Thus says the LORD: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.” Thus says the LORD: “Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says the LORD, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope in your future, says the LORD, that your children shall come back to their own border.”
We see here an image of Rachel, wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin, weeping for her children who are no more (v.15). In the picture portrayed, Rachel, who represents the mother of Israel, grieves over the captivity of her descendants who have been taken into Babylonian exile. In the midst of such denoted grief and remorse, the voice of the Lord breaks through yet again with hope: “Thus says the Lord: ‘refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded,’ says the Lord; ‘and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope in your future,’ says the Lord, ‘that your children shall come back to their own border’” (v.16). The Lord promises renewal and restoration.
This passage is more than an allegory regarding Israel. It is an insight into the heart of God for all of His children, which include us this day. Psalm 30:5 says, “… weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” The Lord is not a detached Father who passively watches His children endure hardships, struggle with spiritual bondage, or grieve through the heartaches of life. Our hope can be placed on an approachable Dad who is intrinsically involved in our current states, even if our feelings tell us otherwise. These verses are a sure hope for us, that in the dark, uncertain, or in the low days of life (which come for all of us), we can expect the Lord to surely bring us out into renewal and restoration. He is working that in your life today, at this very moment. The Lord will restore everything to all that is entailed for you as His child.
Therefore, lay your trust in Him. Close your ears to any confusing voices of doubt and accusations. Walk with Him. The night is passing and the dawning of a new day is arriving!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being so constant! You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank You that Your promises encompass Your nature; and You will bring me out of every brokenness, hardship, and uncertainty with restoration and renewal. Help me to ask of You and please grant me the grace to wait upon Your faithfulness! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 3
Lunch Break Study
Read Genesis 8:1: Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.
Psalm 3:2-6: Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah. But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.”
Questions to Consider
- Are there any voices of doubt in you regarding God’s nature as a good and approachable Father?
- What are the areas in your life that you are waiting on for renewal and restoration?
- What does the renewal and restoration in these areas look like for you?
Notes
- The constancy of God’s nature provides us with security, because we can expect Him to be the same towards us at all times. This also gives us a solid starting point for all processing of what God is like for us. We do not have to look at our current status of self or life to define God’s heart towards us; but allow what God is truly like to process the workings of our life. This provides us with comfort and hope as we ride through the challenging days of life. It also provides with confidence to take initiative with God.
- God wants to bring healing into our lives that channel His blessings for us in every area (relationships, health, finances, giftings, call, desires, etc). Incorrect belief systems about self, God, and others give Satan the legal rights to mess with us. He can bring experiences that are not channeling God’s blessings, but what may feel like recurring curses. We can be encouraged that God will take every curse and turn it into a blessing (Deuteronomy 23:5). Take initiative with God to respond to His process of healing and freedom in your life.
- Make a list of the areas of your life and heart that are needing renewal and restoration. Dig into the Scriptures for the promises that God has spoken regarding those areas. Declare these promises and celebrate in advance of the work that is in process for you in these areas.
Evening Reflection
This morning we reflected on the Lord’s faithfulness to bring renewal and restoration into all areas of your life. In the light of this truth, were you more hopeful today in your approach towards life?