Six years ago, on this day, I said both hello and goodbye to my sweet baby boy Gideon. Through his life and death, I tasted destruction and the threat of despair for the very first time. I moaned and wept as the walls I had built around my life came crashing down. I wondered, can God possibly heal this?
The words of Jeremiah chapters 46–48 detail another destruction story, one where we find despair in almost every verse, leaving us to wonder if hope for humanity is even possible. Can God possibly heal this?
The people of Egypt “are terrified, they are retreating… terror is on every side!” (Jeremiah 46:5). The Philistines “will cry out, and every inhabitant will wail… they will be utterly helpless” (Jeremiah 47:2–3). The Moabites “will be shattered; her little ones will cry out” (Jeremiah 48:4). Darkness had fully overtaken these countries, and we learn why: because they trusted in their “work and treasures” (Jeremiah 48:7). And yet, for those who put their trust in God, there is a light that rises up. In the middle of the dark, destruction, and despair, we see that God has never left the side of those who call Him Lord.
No one in humanity is spared; death will reach each and everyone of us. At some point, whether Israelite or Egyptian, Christian or non-Christian, the walls of our lives, our cities, our possessions will come crashing down. But for those who do put their hope in God, we are not to be afraid because He promises to be with us (Jeremiah 46:27–28). Our hope does not lie in circumstances, works, or treasures; therefore, we have nothing to fear.
“Do not be afraid.” These were the words my sweet Jesus brought to my mind every morning after Gideon died. In the moments when I was beating my pillow and pleading with God to somehow give me my baby back, He was with me. In the mornings when I wept at Gideon’s graveside, wondering if I would ever get up, God was there. This is the promise we have when we give our lives to Jesus. When we choose to follow God, when we accept Jesus’s death for us as atonement for our sins, and when we seek to follow Him each and every day, then even when terror and wailing come, we have hope.
So He’s shown me the answer to my question is, yes, God can heal even this, whatever this may be. And so it is within these passages from Jeremiah: Yes, God can heal this too. Therefore, we stand in confidence, and in all things remember that, “As for man, his days are like grass… But from eternity to eternity, the LORD’s faithful love is toward those who fear him” (Psalm 103:15,17).
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58 thoughts on "Reassurance for Israel"
The faithful love of the Lord is toward those who fear Him… I needed that reminder today.
We know you had these devos written before this pandemic, but oh my how relevant they are for today. “Do not be afraid, do not be dismayed, for I am with you” Thank you God that you and you alone are in control. We trust in your ways!
Amen!
Even during this time, when our normal lives are turned upside down & fear can take hold, we cling to the Rock that is immovable, unshakable! What else do we have? The love of God, our eternal salvation through Jesus’ death & resurrection, the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit—to these we cling, feeling His love, strength & peace even as the days seem so uncertain. Thank you Father, that Jeremiah shows us your infinite patience & grace in spite of our sin & disobedience. We love you Lord.
Maria, thank you for your devotional today. I have wondered at times if there is something wrong with me because while I am careful and try to heed the warning and requirements, I do not normally feel fear during this time. When the darkness tries to invade I remember my “more of God hunt” and find He is everywhere. If I have to go out, I keep my head up and eyes open, looking into the face of others and smiling because there is hope. It is in Jesus.
All does not have to be perfect for me to have hope. Two years ago, a heartbreaking situation brought me to a place I might not have found without the pain. I had idols on the throne of my heart. I needed a purifying heart-cleaning. God does not share His throne, nor should He. There are times I break down and weep, on my knees before the Lord for the heartbreaking situation is still broken. But most of the time, thankfully, He pulls me into His arms of comfort and just holds me in His Love. He reminds me that He is God. I can trust Him. I will trust Him in all things.
This pandemic situation has not paralyzed me with fear. It seems like if I use the brain God gave me and have wisdom…following the guidelines and doing my best and I still get sick…I will either get really sick/then get well, or get really sick and die/in which case I will be in heaven…with my Lord. It feels like a win/win. I recognize there are lots and lots of side effects of this but, it is not my job to carry that burden. I could bury myself in what ifs. Instead I think we are called to be Light in the darkness. So I keep my head up and look people in the eye pouring out a vision of the only true Hope, Jesus Christ. This is a time to Love as He directs us to Love and to remind a lost world that there is a Savior who gave everything for them, for us.
I have a notecard on my prayer board that reads: My To-Do List for Today -count my blessings. -practice kindness. -let go of what I can’t control. -listen to my heart as God directs it -be productive yet calm. -just breathe
I love your “My To-Do List for Today”, Angie. I may have to use that :)
Love this. Thanks for sharing.
Angie, thank you for this to do list. We so often forget these simple things in our lives and it is good to be reminded. I have been feeling a little anxious about this virus as I am one of the “at risk” groups and your perspective has helped me. God bless you and your family. Penny
Amen and thank you
A great read and reminder! Thank you!
Always so encouraged by your words, Angie. Thank you for sharing. God is with us. He has given us not a spirit of fear but power, love and self-control (2 Tim 1:7). Your words embody that truth so well. ❤️
Love this! Thank you Angie
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Most here know my story. Most of you have journeyed with me, not quite the whole way, but a long while now, and I absolutely echo the words of Maria, the journey of loss, pain, grief isn’t an easy one, the journey doesn’t stop the hurty heart, or the tears from falling, or the pain and sadness…
But God..
Oh But God…
Without Him. Without his loving arms, grace, kindness, support, strength HOPE, I imagine a pit that I would not have been able to get out of..
When God met me in the church that day, frightened, lost and broken, and a mess, He didnt just answer my prayer, and I might add, not at all in the way I imagined, or, to be honest, what was I hoping for?
He began to heal me!
But God.. Again, yes, But God… he showed me a picture that has served me well, and helped in my healing, that has been the salve for many a moment of sadness and grief..a picture that for sure says …’Do not be afraid, I’ve got this. I am with you, and yours is with me, safe until you are called home..’
‘..But you my servant Tina.., do not be afraid..’
Holding fast to you Lord God, holding fast.. Thank you Lord God for everything. You are my God, my God in whom I trust.. always..
All praise to you Oh Lord.. thank you.
Sending love wrapped hugs and prayers for you all to know His nearness in this storm..❤
Isaiah 26:20 says “Go my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.”
God is with us, He cares and loves us. May we become stronger, humbler, more dependent and more faithful in His word during this time. I find I am doing more for God during this time and doing it with joy. He is in control and I am praying for each of you ladies and your love ones.
Thank you for sharing this verse, Beth!
❤️
♥️♥️
Just before reading today’s lesson, I read the story of Jesus and the disciples in the storm on the sea. It was on my heart to read it because I remembered two questions that He asked them after they awaken Him in fear of perishing. He asked them, “why are you so fearful?”, and “how is it you have no faith?” My devotional this morning was, “ close the the door to fear”. And now the verse today in this reading plan, Be not afraid”. This truth will be with me throughout this day. Really, what do we have to fear? If He said, fear not, let not your heart be troubled, that means He has everything under His control. Oh that men would praise Him for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Mark 4
Psalm 107
Thank you for your words.
Thank you for your words!
Beautiful post, thank you
Thank you my Lord help us to depend on you.