Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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God: Rest for the Weary,
The Ultimate Refresher

Jeremiah 31:23-25


Binu Daniel,St. Johns MTC, NY

25 25 I will satisfy the weary, and all who are faint I will replenish.
We have all felt faint and weary at many different points in our life. Some of us feel it daily, physically, after a long days work. Some of us feel weary emotionally, after arguing for days with a family member and others, feel it spiritually, after failing time and time again, to remain dedicated to our Lord or to carry out His will, faithfully. Many times, we want to collapse on our beds, hoping tomorrow will be different, tomorrow will be a new day and a new beginning.

  In the book of Jeremiah we see a prophet who became weary and faint as well.  He spend about 40 years prophesying, with no encouraging signs, no progress, no one repenting, despite Jeremiah's dedicated work.  If asked to imagine Jeremiah at this stage in his life, I'd imagine him as weak, wrinkled maybe, discouraged, ready to fail spiritually, losing his voice possibly, and so on.  Somehow, despite the 40 long years, Jeremiah kept going. We know from reading previous chapters, this was no easy task, since this was as sinful as a nation could get. In Chapter 31, the Prophet begins speaking of the restoration of Israel and Judah.    
 
Through Jeremiah, God paints a picture of a time when his people will be out of captivity, will return to prosperity, where everyone will live together, without separation, farmers will freely roam their flocks, without having to worry about danger of any kind.  The passage paints a picture of paradise, perhaps even a picture of what creation looked like in the beginning.  There is a refreshing promise of better days to come, days without weariness and faintness. Of course, this hopeful promise is not given to us, simply by going to bed and hoping tomorrow will be a better day.
 
I believe Jeremiah not giving up, in the harshest of times, was due to his deep, genuine relationship with God Almighty.  I also believe Jeremiah, remained strong because he was able to take his burdens, daily, to the Lord. This time of devotion, this time of quiet prayer, this time of study, should become a source of refreshment and energy for each of us.  This genuine time with God is also what will bring us hope for the hours ahead.  From experience, I can say, during my most genuine moments with God, have come a sense of calm, that refreshed my physical, emotional and spiritual self, beyond any amount of sleep or relaxation method in existence.  A recharge, a refuel and a renewed moment.  This passage reminds us of the simple but crucial truth, that God alone is needed for us when we are weary and faint.   

Prayer: Dear God, I feel weak physically. I'm drained emotionally. I've failed spiritually, Lord.  As I come to you now, refresh my body, mind and soul.  Bring me back to that genuine place of worship with you, each day.  Give me the sense of calm, that you alone are capable of providing. Refresh me Lord, that I may once again live to my full potential. Amen.

Thought for the day: For the ultimate relaxing and refreshing experience, spend genuine time with God!

         

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