CAN DO

 

Scripture:      JEREMIAH 31 :  12 -13

 

…THEY WILL BE RADIANT BECAUSE OF THE MANY GIFTS THE LORD HAS GIVEN THEM – THE GOOD CROPS OF WHEAT, WINE, AND OIL AND THE HEALTHY FLOCKS AND HERDS. THEIR LIFE WILL BE LIKE A WATERED GARDEN, AND ALL THEIR SORROWS WILL BE GONE.

 

I WILL TURN THEIR MOURNING INTO JOY . I WILL COMFORT THEM AND EXCHANGE THEIR SORROW FOR REJOICING.

 

Observation:

 

What a promise! The Father’s heart was calling His people back. There was a hope for restoration and declaring the unfailing love of the Lord for His people and a promise of causing something new and different to happen. Also a rest for the weary and joy to the sorrowing as the new covenant was given that the people were forgiven of their wickedness and hearts were turned back to God.

 ‘ I will be their God, and they will be my people, I will bless them  again…’   God was and always will be there, but it was the people that needed to repent and turn to God again and receive His promises.

 

Application:

 

How faithful is our God! How everlasting is your love Lord! Lord in seeing our ‘wickedness,’ you still hold your arms open to us as we turn to you. Daily I need to reflect and repent if I have had a wrong heart, wrong attitude, wrong deed… that I can come to you and receive your blessings.

I look at this scripture and think of all the times I have said what I can’t or couldn’t do rather than coming to you and receiving your gifts you have given me and do what I can do, and the fruit that is produced in your kingdom from that, and declare praises to you Lord. In doing what we can, because of your promises in us, we can be like a well watered garden that may attract others into your fullness and joy.

 

Prayer:

 

Lord help me /us to be right before you, to use what you have given me/us, whether provision or gifts (talents, character qualities), with a cheerful heart that I/we can see my/ours or others sorrows turn into joy as I/we reflect a well watered garden, that your Name and your kingdom be extended and glorified.

 

 

Joan B