Today’s Tasting: Jeremiah 38-40; Psalms 74, 79
These chapters in Jeremiah tell of the fall of Jerusalem and King Zedekiah into the hands of the Babylonians and the king Nebuchadnezzar. In the beginning, Jeremiah tries to warn the people again and tell Zedekiah that if he will surrender the Lord will spare his life and he and his family will be allowed to live in Babylon. However, Zedekiah ignores the warning and in the end he and his family are killed by the Babylonians.
The Babylonians destroy all of Jerusalem and take the wealthy and prominent citizens captive, leaving behind the poor. Gedaliah was appointed to watch over Judah and because Nebuchadnezzar has ordered Jeremiah well cared for, he was given the choice of going to Babylon or staying in Judah under the rule of Gedaliah. He chose to stay in Judah.
Our Psalms today go hand in hand as they are both hymns to God regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. They recount what has happened to the temple in Jerusalem and the Israelites, find joy in recounting the many things God has done on behalf of his people, and plead with him to defend His name and His people.
Today’s Nourishment:
I am reminded in these readings that God’s plan for us is greater than we can imagine…if we will only listen.
It can be hard at times to listen to or even hear God. Often times we aren’t even sure if God is actually communicating with us, so we guess at what we think He wants or we do what WE want and convince ourselves it is God’s will.
God’s whispers range from neon signs to gentle nudges…So how do you know for sure?
Start with daily “God time”.
Take a few minutes every single day to focus on nothing but God.
Read a little scripture…pray a little…journal a little…listen A LOT!
Have you ever been on the phone with a friend who talks talks, talks, talks, and talks, and you never get a word in?
They tell you all about what’s been going on in their life since the last time you chatted and when the call ends you feel informed, but not connected with your friend. There was no communication…all you did was listen…you didn’t get to share anything with them about how you have been…or what might be on your mind. Doesn’t that make you feel kind of frustrated or cheated out of time with your friend?
Image how God must feel! We go to him day in and day out with our troubles, our concerns, our questions, our thankfulness…yet, we never give him a chance to get a word in. God wants a relationship with us, and relationships take two-way communication.
So, the next time you go to God in prayer, save a little time to allow him to get a few words in…you may be surprised at what you learn.
Tomorrow’s Delight: 2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36
Hugs & Blessings,
Monica
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