Jeremiah 31

As I continue to read through Jeremiah, the first thought that comes to mind is "This book is so sad since all it talks about is God's wrath upon Jerusalem". I was reminded by my mentor to look deeper and to understand God's character behind it all.

This chapter was like a breath of fresh air, but again reinforces God's nature: fair, just, but still loving beyond all things.

Jeremiah 31:2-4
This is what the Lord says: "The people who survive the sword will find favor in the desert; I will come to give rest to Israel." The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful. 

Life can be tough. At the moment it's figuring out the finances for my future, the prolonged wait till my licensing exam for my career, and scheduling time for the bf despite both of us working many hours and long distance. Although there may be many other worries on the plate, I continue to rejoice and find peace in God's direction in my life. Not many people are fortunate to have two jobs and be able to earn a living, or have a roof over their heads, or have an able body to do activities like participate in a 10k run (which I'm doing this Sunday). All of these things are little in God's big plan for each of us. I find peace knowing that God will give me rest and provide for me because He loves me. These things are nothing compared to what others have to endure on the daily so I'm thankful for the circumstances I'm in.

Jeremiah 31:13-14
Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty," declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 31:19-20
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.' 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. 

The constant reminder that sanctification is a lifetime journey. What's important is constantly remembering to let go of pride, lust, and materialism and strive for what's most essential... a life glorifying the Lord in all aspects of life. God always forgives, so we should also always make it up to Him in everything.

Jeremiah 31:28
Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant," declares the Lord. 

Jeremiah 31:34-35
No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, "Know the Lord," because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the Lord. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar- the Lord Almighty is his name:

Continuing to strive for holiness, even if it takes a lifetime.

Jeremiah 31:37
This is what the Lord says: "Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done," declares the Lord. 

The heavens can only be measured and the foundations of the earth below searched only by the one and only God Almighty. What a promise this is because God will not reject us ever.