“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”
Jeremiah 31:25 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.31.25.NLT
These words are spoken and written by the prophet Jeremiah describing a time of restoration following an extended season of displacement and suffering.
Reflection
God makes this statement: “I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish the laws of nature!” Jeremiah 31:36 NLT. The whole chapter is about the people of Israel being in full relationship with God.
God has disciplined them severely, seeking to turn their hearts to him. Now he is bringing them home to a new season of restoration and renewed relationship with him.
He has no interest in rejecting people. Any discipline given is for the purpose of drawing near in a restored relationship.
It is in this context flow these beautiful words of God: “For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”
Encouragement
I am left with a rhetorical question: Who does this but God?
Humanity has rejected him over and over. Yet, he keeps coming close and drawing us back with discipline and unbending love.
Even now God declares to us that it is a new day in Him. Through Christ our weariness finds rest and our sorrows experience joy.
Prayer
Father God,
Thank you for your relentless love.
Thank you for your discipline with the goal of drawing humanity back to you.
Regardless of repeated rejection, you keep bringing us home to you. Thank you.
You do give rest to us amid our own weariness.
You do bring joy even as sorrows are present and near.
Thank you.
In the name of Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell