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Relationship of Restoration

Written by ronda on . Posted in Phoebe Connections.

Jeremiah 31:2-4

This is what the LORD says: They found favor in the wilderness – the people who survived the sword. When Israel went to find rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you. Again I will build you so that you will be rebuilt, virgin Israel. You will take up your tambourines again and go forth in joyful dancing.

In the previous chapter, Israel had been turned over to her enemies, who defeated and plundered her. God allowed her to go into captivity because she had turned to idolatry. Her wounds were incurable, and she had become an outcast. God promised to heal her and deal with her enemies. In this chapter, God promised to restore her.

In God’s relationship with His people, we must remember that He is a jealous God. He will allow us to be ravaged by anything we accept as an idol. Today, we call idols things like addiction, habit, or weakness. An idol can be anything we turn for comfort or pleasure other than God. When we find ourselves depending upon anything other than God, it is an idol in our life. God will allow that thing to defeat and plunder us, leaving us with incurable wounds that only He can heal.

God never leaves His children defeated, however. The very reason He turns us over to our enemies is so we will see they are truly enemies and will turn to Him in worship. When we do, He goes to work on our behalf to destroy the enemy’s influence in our lives so we might be restored and rebuilt to display His glory.

God has loved us with an everlasting love. When we turn to Him, we find love, love, and more love waiting for us. In fact, when we go out looking for God, we find Him waiting for us. His grace and favor restore us to a place where we can resume our lives with joyful celebration. The tambourines and joyful dancing mentioned here represent the celebration of marriage and festival, indicating a promising future. We have a promising future in Christ, and we can depend upon His faithful love toward us.

Determine to find your comfort, strength, and joy in Christ and the work of the cross. Nothing else compares and will only stand to destroy you in the long run. Turn all your cares over to God today, and begin your healing process. He loves you with an everlasting love, and He wants to bring celebration to your life. Worship the God who heals, restores, rebuilds, and renews. His grace and favor are yours.

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.