The Heartening Word of God…

  In spite of this they still sinned,

And did not believe in His wondrous works.

Therefore their days He consumed in futility,

And their years in fear.—Psalm 78:32-33

Thus says the LORD:

"Stand in the ways and see,

And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,

And walk in it;

Then you will find rest for your souls.

But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'—Jeremiah 6:16

Two different times in Israel’s history of apostasy they responded to God’s warnings in the same way...stubbornness and refusal.  Oh Father...we, even as believers, can be the same!  By your Spirit help us!  We are at times stubborn, prideful and I will add, FORGETFUL.  We want what we want and we FORGET that our very breath is in Your hand...we FORGET to be thankful and in so doing we STEP on You mercy. In both of the circumstances above, what was needed was Israel’s obedience.  It is the same for us today. 

I am so thankful to God for His word because my daily reading and meditation on it is the only thing that keeps me on the “old” paths.  God’s word keeps me from forgetting His laws and His goodness.  It reminds me of who my God is, who I am, and why I am here. The Spirit of God uses the word of God to help me stay the course and abide.  My sin disheartens me, the word of God heartens...it renews, re-minds, and transforms.  It teaches me to be wise in the ways of righteousness and keeps my days from futility and fear. 

O, that I would always follow hard after You, fleeing in my distress, to You, my strong refuge. May your mercy, O God, surround me just as I hope in You.  Blessed is the man who trusts in You.  It is all of grace!