Is there a season in your life that you look back on and think: Those were the good old days?
I remember the summer I was seventeen—old enough to have a driver’s license and a job; young enough to have no real expenses or responsibilities. My friends and I spent those months before senior year on the lakes (Michigan has 11,000 of them!), creating scavenger hunts around town, swimming in the downtown fountain, and buying half-price Chinese food at closing time. They were glory days for sure.
I now have a son who will be seventeen next month. He’s tall enough to give me big bear hugs, he drives his sister to school, and he meets his friends at Chile Burrito almost every day before lacrosse practice because his metabolism demands five square meals a day. These may be his glory days, but they somehow feel like mine too.
We love how things were. Sometimes we even love how things are. And, boy, does time have a way of softening our memories. When things are good, we want them to stay this way forever. And when things are bad, we long for the good old days.
But if I had stayed seventeen forever, I’d have missed out on having a seventeen-year-old of my own. And if I insist now that these are the best days of my life, I’d be doubting that God has new good for me still ahead.
In the book of Ezra, the returning exiles recalled the glory days of Jerusalem, some having firsthand memories. God’s presence was with them in the temple, the city was protected, and the favor of the Lord was on them and against their enemies. As they returned to the city, they found themselves caught in the tension of looking backwards to what used to be—even relearning the law they had forgotten—while believing God would carry them into a new future. There’s a wonderful moment when they reestablish Passover and confess their sin. But that would also mean continuing to trust God with their future as they walked forward in obedience.
Friends, not unlike the Israelites in the fifth and sixth centuries BC, by opening this book you are doing the important work of looking back to learn and remember what God has done. I’m so glad you’re here! My encouragement to you in this reading plan is to also keep your eyes up—at the yet-unfulfilled promises God has made in His Word. No matter what the seasons of your life have looked like or look like even now, know this for certain: Christ is indeed doing a new thing!
Leave a Reply
134 thoughts on "Return from Exile"
Amen! The Lord is doing a new thing
God has something new for me ahead ❤️
Dawn. I am praying for you in this very hard season. ❤️
I have experienced a lot of loss recently ; my father, my sister because of bitterness on her part with my father, I am open to a relationship with her but she is clearly not ready. I long for the happiness I felt in years past , I feel very sad over my health declining and I feel alone in my sadness. I am wanting to regain my love for Gods word and a journey with the Lord
It’s amazing to me how the Lord provided an enemy leader to not only send them back to their land but to also provide them the supplies and funds needed to rebuild the temple. Only the One True God, sovereign over all can orchestrate this return!
I’m am excited to know what new things has in store for me
Wow! I just read day one and Rachel Myers states that God is doing a new thing. That’s awesome for me today bc I heard the word “New” in my spirit for 2024. What confirmation!
❤️
He’s Making all things new freeing you from you
❤️
❤️
Starting late as well. Happy to be here!
So good! I love the history learned . Spiritual history! Amazing
Starting a bit late, but excited to see what the Lord has in store for me through this time of my life.
Thank you!
❤️
I received this word!
Praise the lord! God is good!!♥️
I know that’s right!!
I am starting this late, but I am excited to learn more and see what God is trying to teach me. Verse 11 in Jeremiah, where it talks about God having a plan for us, is such a good reminder.
I love this study am so late but just with the first day im ministered by God! I am 1 month post partum and have a 3 year old and my family is going through such a tough financial transition. And I did find myself looking back a lot and missing having extra time for my 3 year old but God is so good that his word always comes at the perfect time
Do a new thing in me, O God!
I loved the passage in Jeremiah where it said God will restore you from the cities he took you. It reminded me that God can take us to a place of waiting or “less than” SO THAT he can do a new thing. He will restore us to a new place. We just have to pursue him during the waiting.
This was impeccable timing. I chose this study randomly at a time of transition. In 1 week my son and I move out of state, I start a new job in a brand new city, and we start building up new relationships. God is indeed doing a new thing!
‘ God is doing a new thing e holding onto that promise for sure.
I needed this, I have felt like my life has been at a standstill for quite a while now. It was a season of waiting and longing for what I do not have. This really put into perspective that even when I feel like this, God is moving, I just have to be patient!
❤️
I’m just starting as well. I love the promise that Christ is always doing a new thing, no matter what season we find ourselves in.
Glad I’m not the only one starting late! I love the reminder to remember what God had done. But to look forward to the unfulfilled promises.
I don’t feel like God is creating anything “new” in my life so this is a great reminder that He is! He is moving in my life if I am willing to move!
Starting this late but was inspired by leading a group of youth to dive into scripture more. This is the type of structure I need to guide that. A phrase I carry with me is “the best is yet to come”, helping me keep my mind centered on current and future rather than “the good ole days”.
Hello to all of us just starting. I’m eagerly awaiting what God may teach me through Ezra.
Yay! There’s a group of us just starting.
Needed this
What a beautiful reminder for this season!
It’s a blessing to look around and see what God has done and to be apart of it!
“But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.””
Luke 9:62 CSB
This resonates with the sermon I heard yesterday – what a great reminder!
I so identify with you!!
I’m turning 40 in a few months and I have not been looking forward to it. I’ve never really cared before, but reading this is a reminder that 40 has new blessings, new adventures, new growth. Thank You God for continuing to do a new work in me. I pray for more opportunities to serve You.
This was really good! My husband passed away 2 years ago at 50 years old. I have often thought I want to go back to when he was still here. I know God want me to move forward and He has a future planned for me. God Bless you all!!
✝️
Thankful to be present, remember the past, but excited for the future.
Reminded of the old hymn, Trust & Obey. The LORD arouse the spirit of His people. The LORD has given.. The LORD has appointed.. He truly does not sleep nor slumber. Thank you Jesus for the book of Ezra!
If you google The Bible Project it will pop up. They have great bible study sessions to that are free :)
Ummmmm. Wow. God is speaking loudly this morning. I heard the song “Used to be Young” by Miley Cyrus this morning and reminisced a bit. Really glad I read this and was reminded to look ahead at the new and good things God is doing. ❤️
Yes! I am in a season of waiting and of “looking back/looking ahead.” A job opportunity recently opened up with an organization I was heavily involved in back in high school, and I applied. It has me looking back on my “glory days” and the way the organization shaped the woman I’ve become, as well as looking ahead with hopeful expectation to see if the Lord is going to open this door for me to return to my hometown and work there. I’ve never framed Ezra through that perspective, but when I do, it seems to line up with the season I’m in now, too.
Thankful that God is with us no matter what season we are in and that He continues to do new things in our lives but they we can also look back and see his faithfulness to us in all things.
Lifting you in prayer Erin!
Lifting you in prayer Eri !
❤️
I am so thank that God is bringing to completion the good work He has begun in me! God is never finished refining us, pruning us so we can bear more fruit. I don’t understand everything but I know the One who does and I trust Him!
❤️
I was stuck in the fact that God spoke to the king and he acted in obedience and it literally fulfilled prophecy!!! God has a way of making sure His will WILL be done.
The sweetest thing is that God has plans for us and we know they are good because He is good! If He is Good, He cannot do anything other than good.
I found this so encouraging! Thank you!!
Praying for Erin this morning, and for any other “shes” who need to be lifted in prayer during a season of change or trial. So thankful for the reminder from Raechel to look back, while also looking ahead. As we dropped off my youngest at college this past weekend, I have been doing plenty of reflecting, while also embracing this new season of life. Christ is indeed doing a new thing – and I am excited to see his work in our lives!
What a privilege to look back in gratitude for all of the things He has done …. working behind the scenes in the ugly and the hard … for growth and to do the impossible … and to remember He is still fulfilling promises and answering prayers ! He is doing a new thing!
I am reminded that He is working out all the promises made to me that not one word will fail. I also need to let go of “old” so that I can embrace the NEW! It’s good for me to remember the past- it I must not king for it trusting Papa God with now and the new.
Praying for you today Erin.
Yes it is good to remember what God has done in our lives. I’m reminded of the verse in Psalm 145:5 “On the glorious splendor of your Majesty, and on your wonders works I will meditateyour
Char, I love the idea of a gratitude journal before bed each night and jotting down God’s goodness and blessings of that day. Thanks for sharing!
The Bible Project online .
“God is doing new things”, really spoke to me. His plans and fulfillment are better than anything we could dream of. Standing strong in our faith is when we learn to trust him, giving him our whole heart opens us up to an even better faith and relationship.
Amen. That is so wonderfully said. All this have been so poignant to me with the loss of family, the tendency to look back has brought me to prayer seeking His guidance. His gentle prompting to don’t get lost in the past has made this study hit very close to home. I just pray we all come to a clearer understanding the more we read and grow closer to Him.
I seldom comment, but have been reading with She Reads Truth for several years now. I love the accountability and reading others’ comments. I’m asking for prayer tonight, if anyone feels led. This is a hard, stressful season for my family on many levels. I especially need prayer for finances, being able to pay the bills and the stress involved in falling short. Thanks for listening and taking the time to pray for someone you’ve never met.
We may look back to remember the Good Ole days but it’s best to keep moving forward…as I saw someone post “God is doing a new thing”. He loves changing things up, I think so we don’t get it too Comfy…then complacent, then stagnant! We need to look ahead…remembering all He’s done, but never too long to dwell or rest!
Good idea! Thanks for sharing!
♥️ So good to see a writing from Raechel
I miss she and Amanda writing more often.
The Lord is doing a new thing! Thank You, Jesus, for Your nearness to us in every season.
That’s a great idea. I’m new to reading the Bible and often feel lost – where do you find the videos?
That’s a great idea. I’m new to reading the Bible and often feel lost – where do you find the videos? Thank you.
TINA, I love you dear sister. Your words ring so true with me. If I hadn’t gotten cancer I wouldn’t have that story to tell, and how God was with me through all of it.
Blessings to you all.
Remember Gods plans are better than ours so we just need to remind ourselves when we think about our plans we have. God either makes them better or changes them because it does not meet his plans.
Good evening, sweet she’s! Hope it was a day of rest from your labors. (No preschool for me today OR tomorrow!) I have a cup in my kitchen that I “just don’t see” sometimes because I take for granted that it is part of the decor. It says, “Live the life you love, and love the life you live.” God knows what he is doing, just go along for the ride and focus on where you are today… regardless of whether you would not consider it “the good ‘ole days”, or not, you know? Sweet dreams, dear sisters!
It’s funny when I look at some of my past seasons and think those were the “good old days,” but at the time I didn’t think they were. I was always looking ahead and wishing for a time when I would be married and have children. Now I am married and have two girls. I love my life, but there are hard times in every season, and sometimes I find myself wishing I could go back. Go back to the time when we lived in our smaller house, or when my older daughter was a little toddler, my newlywed days or my single days. I think we get into trouble when we are so focused on our past or future that we aren’t fully living in our present days. I pray that I would fully live on the season that I am in, so that I don’t miss what God may be doing during these days.
The provisions God provided remind me of Exodus when He gave the Israelites what they would need from the Egyptians. God always provides!
I watched a video on the book of Ezra by The Bible Project (I do this anytime I start a new book of the bible) it helps give good context to the story and it’s overall relation to the rest of the bible before I dive into a study. I recommend! X
Tia – I feel exactly the same as you do
Happy Monday she’s
Waking up to a cold foggy morning 11 Celsius (51F), and leaves have changed color. Things changed while I was asleep. Praise the Lord for new changes. Gonna take out my sweaters and boots soon. Changes could seem disruptive, but seasons are needed in our lives. Like many of you dear she’s, dealing with longing to the good old days is hard for me too. The new wineskin is needed for the new and greater blessings of God.
Some things I noticed in the scriptures today:
1-God spoke to pagan leaders and charged them to do His work: “Thus saith Cyrus king of Persian the Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah (Ezra 1:2 KJV). Some notes from my KJV study bible, Cyrus the Great was the powerful kind of Persia, who released the Jewish captives to return to Jerusalem after he had made the Persians the dominant nation in the ancient world. In the Old Testament, he is most highly praised as God’s shepherd (Isaiah 44:28), and His anointed (Isaiah 45:1). May we show reverence to those God has placed in position of power.
2- Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it, for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace (Jeremiah 29:7). May we stand in the gap for the nation where we reside, whether they know God or not. May we pray earnestly for their peace and welfare.
3- Pray for Israel and the tension they are enduring in these last days. I was reminded again today to pray for the beloved first born nation of faith through Psalm 122. Thankful for them that through them, we know our precious Lord and Savior.
@MUNCHKIN: thank you for your thought.
@RHONDA J: ❤️ hope the Sunday service with your two very wonderful men went great. May tender hearts were touched deeply.
@KIM: prayers for your work to be manageable, ease and breather moments for you.
@LYNN FROM AL: prayers for rest, good sleep, ease for movement/activities for Jack post-surgery.
@KRISTEN, @TAYLOR: prayers for the marriage of your friend, may the Lord intervene. Praying Mark 10:9 over the marriages, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate”.
@LAURA: my children also didn’t want vacation times to end, ever lol.
@MICHELLE PATIRE: the best is yet to come- amen. Love the moving on mentality.
@SEARCHING: ❤️
@LINDA IN NC: for moving, adjusting to new place, and for your husband’s condition.
@KELLY (NEO): big congrats to you and Michael on the wonderful 30 years of marriage ❤️. Tearing up.
@ALLIE M: for your grad school to go smoothly and firm trust on God for your bright and successful future.
@TINA: how lovely are your thoughts. “I guess, if I were to think this through, I think every day is my best life!” Thank you for this humbling thought. And I always love your long posts. What a treat. Please waffle on as SEARCHING put it. I want some waffle now lol.
Be blessed dear sisters.❤️
Love this it got me thinking what I have lost over the years I can’t get back .thank you for this and the comments in here.
God keeps His promises! We just need to hold up our end too
Good keeps His promises – we just need to hold up our end!
Thank you Searching and Tina for what you shared today. I copied some of it into my journal. Yesterday I was at lunch with my mom and I suddenly had a flashback of a righteous young man who I dated in my late 20’s / early 30s on and off. He had such a kind heart and was the perfect friend, but couldn’t see things romantically, and I pushed him away. I took a walk this morning and was thinking about what my life could have been if I had married him, came back and started raking leaves and thinking about it and how I hurt him and I made a mistake. Then I read this study and the comments and I realize that I know how to make better decisions now that the Lord is guiding my future. I would not have had my messes with my ex-husband, but I love our daughter and the beautiful young Christian woman she is. Praying for your requests today, I added so many to my prayer journal (Sheryl, Sherry, CT, Bari Gold Kristin’s friends and others). Blessings for all of you and your loved ones.
today’s devotional makes me want to sit, observe and appreciate little things more.
I love this story of deliverance! After the Jews had been under an oppressive government, two kings of Persia finally give them deliverance. I don’t know much about Ezra but I’m excited to read and learn move over these two weeks!
Happy Monday and Labor Day!! I SLEPT in!! Actually, I was fully awake at 4 AM thinking it was almost time to get up. And ironically my daughter was up as well texting me because she heard me and then I heard something very special. I heard my mom praying over my daughter. Yep, at 4 AM! Sometimes when my daughter can’t sleep, she likes to walk into grandma‘s room so she can pray over her. Grandma does not mind. my parents were known for being prayer warriors. I’m glad my mom continues to be a prayer warrior even after the passing of my amazing daddy. It’s been 15 years and it still seems like it was yesterday. After my mom grieved for a while, I’m glad she continues this legacy of being a prayer warrior and that my daughter feels comfortable and confident that she can just walking to her room at any time. Even more so we can approach the throne with confidence that Jesus hears us at all times at wee hours of the night, 24/7. He always is and always will be available. Now that’s our God!
❤️
I have always said that I don’t believe in regret because we can’t change what has passed. Lately I have had a few regarding my son. There are some things I wish I would have done differently. We see things so differently once our loved ones are gone from us. I also lived in the day or very near future because if I looked too far ahead I new I would be without my son. I couldn’t bear the thought. So yes, I sometimes look back at when Tanner was young. All the exciting firsts in a child’s life. I miss those days. But I’m also enjoying retirement and the freedom that comes with that. I’m trying to figure out what God would have me do with my life moving forward. My purpose was wrapped up in keeping my son alive. I now need to ask God what He would have me do moving forward.
I live in the town I grew up and sometimes it feels as memories haunt me whereever I go. But God is showing me, through this passage and others, that I have good memories mixed in with the bad. And life is meant to be lived in the present. It’s meant for us to look at what is good in our life now. What is God doing in our lives now and not what did or did not happen in the past.
I agree. While I love verse 11 it wasn’t until I read the rest of the passage that verse 11 became even more powerful.
When I look back I wish I would have done many things differently but praise God I have been redeemed and I want to look forward. I like how God tells the people to settle and live their lives. You’re gonna be here a while is what I hear him saying. Also pray for where you are. I love that.
Wow, Ezra! Already off to a good start to convey to us that God was, is, and will be moving in our lives! There will be a victory, we have to believe God has everything surrounding us, in his power. The little things, and the big. If we let Him be the compass, there will be joy and peace in ALL things. What a relief! We uprooted our lives 3 years ago, leaving family and jobs, but I knew God was leading us to the place He had prepared! It has been a wonderful few years despite living through a cat 5 hurricane, finding a home church and new friends and jobs. I do look back at the good ole days of my boy being little, playing soccer as we watched the grandson running around on the field this past Sat. Life moves on. I feel a deep saddness for those that have lost loved ones, and probably can’t not imagine how the good could be ahead. So much sickness and sin around us, but if we keep our eyes up…”I’m gonna see the Victory” by Elevation Worship. Keep that mantra when we see Satan having his way, but we know how the story ends, and I want my personal story to live by God’s word. He is good, and I will pursue His love, and goodness!
@Kristen thank you for pointing out that King Cyrus was mentioned, prophesied, a hundred and fifty years before!! That really solidifies how God knows our future. It does make me think of the poor ones that were enslaved in Babylon, how it may not seem perfect, but it is part of the plan.
I haven’t read the rest of the comments because I got such a late start this morning, RV life is sometimes challenging, but I am having fun!
Have a great Monday She’s!!
I want to daily reflect on my blessings to appreciate the little things more.
Todays passages are such a beautiful reminder of Gods faithfulness! Writing this truth on my heart today! Happy Monday She’s !!!
Good morning, sweet SRT sisters! Jack and I got home from the hospital Saturday around 2:00. He was only there about 48 hours. His surgery was very successful and he isn’t in too much pain. Praise the Lord! The complications of this surgery along with his dementia are another story. We are up and down all night with extended bathroom stays. I will spare you all the graphic details but please pray that we can start getting some rest. Caregiving 24/7 is hard enough without being sleep deprived. Thank you MICHELLE PATIRE and SEARCHING for asking and for the prayers of all my sweet sisters!
LINDA IN NC—I feel you sister and understand all your husband’s confusion that you are dealing with. I’m praying that God will calm his spirit and give you strength physically and mentally as you make this move.
KELLY (NEO)—Happy 30th Anniversary to you and Michael!!!
KRISTEN—I’m praying for your friends that are going through the divorce. May they be reconciled.
RHONDA J—I’m so glad you were able to worship yesterday with your son and grandson!
Have a blessed day!!!
Ladies, please pray for a couple I know that have been separated and are about to divorce. The pain and grief has been awful for them. It’s not official yet, so please pray that whatever needs to take place would happen so they don’t divorce.
Thank you!
As a younger person, I would always say to my mom, “I wish…I wish vacation wasn’t over, I wish I didn’t have to take this test, I wish I could drive,” and so on. And my mom would say, “you are going to wish your life away. Enjoy the moment you are in.” That’s easy enough when you are a child, perhaps, but harder when you have seen and lived many decades. But as Christ-followers, that is what He desires for us as well. This moment/this season/this day/month/decade is the Lord’s. And He is with us. “So do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” Philippians 4:6
1) God stirs Cyrus to make a decree.
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Thus says Cyrus king of Persia:
All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah.
**God is Sovereign over all! He stirs Cyrus. He is all powerful and no one can thwart His plans! How amazing! By His grace and Jesus’s sacrifice, we can come before Him and pray and worship.
I was standing next to a woman during worship and heard her say that it was her honor to worship God. Such truth in that statement. He is worthy and are privileged to even get to offer praise!
**The Enduring Word Commentary pointed out that Isaiah 44:28-45:5 mentions Cyrus by name 150 years earlier by name!
Who says of Cyrus, ‘[He is] My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” And to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.” ‘ 1 “Thus says the LORD to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held–To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: 2 ‘I will go before you And make the crooked places* straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call [you] by your name, [Am] the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob My servant’s sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. 5 I [am] the LORD, and [there is] no other; [There is] no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me,
Even kings and rulers that don’t know God are used by Him. Please pray that leaders or those that have a platform or influence, would by God’s grace, be drawn, convicted, turn and repent. Please let the encounter with the Living God change them forever and let them be willing to boldly speak for Jesus and God’s ways become the standard so that laws and what’s acceptable change. Let them see their depravity and depths of their sin so clearly that they are utterly overwhelmed and amazed by the sacrifice of Jesus that they are totally transformed and long to serve and be with Him all their days. Amen
So many good nuggets from you ladies this morning.
I learn so much from each one of you.
“the best of times and the worst of times”
“Living our best lives” (my DIL says that one a lot when my grands get to spend the day with me)
“The best is yet to come”
“The good we could have held onto a little longer, the bad we’d like to forget, and the ugly we wish had never happened-but then we wouldn’t be who we are now”
I have learned over my 64 years that when God asks us to do difficult things, He will be with us and we will grow. He is faithful. He is good. He is in control.
Happy Monday!
Hugs and blessings to all ❤️
I am so excited to do this study. To see what the Lord will put on my heart as I renew my faith and bond with him each morning.
Amen! Christ is indeed doing a new thing. I will trust in His promises and remember His faithfulness.
Good morning she’s! We are back yesterday from visiting our family in RI. All went well – thank you Lord.
Looking forward to what the Lord will teach me from this study in Ezra. So often, and especially this past week being back home, I find myself longing for what was. When “home” was home, and my mom & dad were alive and all my aunts and uncles, and I didn’t have to feel really strange driving up the driveway that for all my life – until I got married, was home.
Thank you @Tina and @Searching for your comments today. Life is to be lived in the moment, looking ahead – not dwelling on the past, whether good or bad. Every new day is a gift from God! I want to keep looking forward, I know God has a wonderful plan for all of us. It may not look like we expect or want, but it will be His plan and His are always the best.
One thing that comes to mind as I read through Ezra, is that “to go back” is never the same. It might be the same place, even some of the same people – but as time goes by, everything changes. We get tripped up when we linger on how things used to be. I want to go forward excited about what each new day will bring, and how God will use me, my circumstances and where ever I am, for His glory!
@Linda in NC – praying that your move in day on Saturday will go well, and that your husband will be able to quickly acclimate to his new surroundings.
@Kelly Neo – Happy 30th Anniversary!!
Blessings upon blessings to you all!…Enjoy your Labor Day
Amen Lord! I will keep my eyes on You the author and hope for my future. In Jesus name, Amen
I enjoyed reading Jeremiah 29:11…. And beyond. Often Jeremiah 29:11 is quoted but not v. 12-14 and they really go together. Yes, God has a plan and a purpose for our lives BUT we are called to seek Him in prayer and align ourselves with Him, not vice versa. We should not sit idly waiting for God’s plan for our lives to unravel in front of us.
I thought the same thing!
With tears in my eyes, amen to that and praise God!
Even in the midst of destruction and exile, restoration and redemption are already in place. Even when the Israelite are “getting what they deserve,” God’s grace explodes with sending them with hope and peace.
This thought feels like it is undoing me this morning. Even when I feel conviction and fear the consequences, and regret the hurt I have caused God, He is waiting for that moment of humility to scoop me in His arms and remind me just how precious I am to Him, just how much He adores me, longs for my good and restoration, and longs to lavish abundant goodness on me.
God, you are SO good, SO loving. I don’t deserve it, but today I am reminded that even when I don’t feel like I deserve it, You want nothing more than to remind me just how much you love me, to let me FEEL in my soul: I am yours. Thank you, God!!!
I rarely speak on this platform( but i so enjoy everyone’s comments… thank you all for your honesty and wisdom)
I think God puts us on paths and curvy roads to bring us closer to him I’ve always called them “Character Builders”. Our trials make us who we are and they draw us closer to God b/c we can’t do life without Him! I don’t enjoy the bumps in the road and wish at times I could detour around them….but I know My God is always there to get me on those round abouts to put me where I need to be. Thank you Jesus for the bumps and bruises of life! You are a Good Good Father and your love for us is overwhelming. Please be with all the Shes going through bumps in the road today… guide there paths straight to you❣️Happy Monday Shes
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary Kelly!!
This is so timely for me. I have been pining for the past when my children were babies and life was not as complicated. I tend to dwell in the past. I will try to look forward to what God has for me in the future.
I loved reading how God was fulfilling His promises to His people. Providing a way back home and also every provision needed to do so AND offerings for the temple! He is always faithful to us even now just as He was then. Also,
13 “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.”
This verse is so encouraging especially in the times when God feels far away. He’s always with us, He always has a plan for us.
@Lynne from Alabama – if you are here, how are things with you and Jack?
Love this idea!! Thank you for sharing!
I honestly don’t really look back at any “good old days” – I’ve always recognized the sin or sadness that’s marked my story. That’s not me being pessimistic, but from a young age, I recognized my own sin and sorrow and remember it well when I look back at my life. I know God has forgiven me, or was always there with me, but I wince at moments of brokenness.
I never want to see things here as perfect. The Word itself talks about how the whole earth groans for the revelation of the children of God in Romans 8:19. Scripture advises us not to live for the “good old days” so maybe it is a blessing not to think so fondly of my life.
Ecclesiastes 7:10 NLT
“Don’t long for ‘the good old days.’ This is not wise.”
Well, on a positive note, “the best is yet to come.” A local Catholic priest used to say that and my younger siblings like to bring it up as a joke with one another to poke at him… Not realizing how much hope that statement holds. I’ve said to them, “He’s not wrong.”
This earth will never satisfy the longing our hearts have to behold Christ face-to-face and witness the restoration of this world Revelation promises.
God bless you Shes. Hope you are well and enjoy your Monday <3
Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary @Kelly & Michael!
I want to keep a gratitude journal. Maybe one to complete at the end of each day before bed. To reflect on all the good of the day. I know I often long for the good old days and forget the good moments of today. Looking back over all the blessings God has given me puts into perspective how He is always faithful. Even when I’m in a valley, He is there and is still faithful.
Last week in Sunday School we finished our quarter long study of Jeremiah and verses 4-6 of chapter 29 were my favorite! We even mentioned ‘bloom where you’re planted’ in our class discussion. (SEARCHING)
This reading was such a perfect follow up to the discussion on yesterday’s comments prompted by FOSTER MAMA and echoed in some comments so far today!
LINDA IN NC – Those prayers are ongoing. Strength for you and calm spirit for your husband and, as SEARCHING said, lots of patience for all!
KELLY NEO and MICHAEL – Congrats and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
SEARCHING – ❤
Amen!
Ezra 1 is the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to the exiled children of Israel from 70, yes, SEVENTY years prior! And of course while they were waiting, God was lining things up to fulfill that promise. In the meantime, they were told (in TINA’s words ❤️) to live their best lives – or as I’ve also heard it said – bloom where you are planted. I think most, if not all of us, look back at our lives – the good we wish we could have held on to a little longer, the bad we’d like to forget and the ugly we wish had never happened – but then we wouldn’t be who we are now, able to help others and share what we’ve learned. For me, it means looking at the past but not living in the past. Remembering those that I dearly love and miss terribly, and showing love to those who are still here with me. Regretting my really poor choices then, being thankful for the Lord’s forgiveness and trusting in Him so that I make better decisions now. Looking to the Lord for His wisdom and guidance for today, learning from His word how to trust Him for my future.
TIA WATKINS – praying you see the Lord’s path forward for you
TINA ❤️ so well said!! And, waffle on!
LYNNE FROM AL – praying for you and Jack ❤️
RHONDA J, CEE GEE, MERCY, MICHELLE PATIRE ❤️
LINDA IN NC – praying for the completion of the move and downsizing, for your husband to be able to handle the changes and confusion, extra patience as the questions continue. Praying for you, as you make the hard decisions for what you will take with you ❤️
TAYLOR – praying for your friends and their marriage. The honeymoon is over, as they say. Those of us in long term marriages have learned first hand – it ain’t always easy! There is always compromise, and sometimes giving in (if looking at the long term, the matter at hand is immaterial) and as CEE GEE pointed out (over the weekend in the Psalms study), every marriage needs the Lord – there is so much strength in that cord of 3 strands. Remembering their love for each other, the commitment they made to each other and being determined to work out their differences (assuming there’s no issue of safety). And truth be told, the majority of the things that I thought were major at the time – I don’t even remember what they were.
KELLY (NEO) – Happy 30th anniversary! Congrats ❤️
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – yes! I had not realized that verse was tied to that long ago promise.
It was interesting to read the oft-quoted verse in Jeremiah (“For I know the plans I have for you…to give you hope and a future “) in context of the larger scripture it lives in. That verse was for the people sent into exile for 70 years as their promise that God would not abandon them. After their time-out was done, God would come back for his people. 70 years is a lifetime. A new generation would be born in captivity, relying on the faith of their parents and grandparents to remember God’s promise of restoration. That’s a long time to wait to see the fulfillment of a promise, and a good reminder for me that my hurry-up timeline is not necessarily God’s timeline. But he is faithful!
This reading is a reminder to me that God may take us into foreign lands, but He never leaves us and returns us into Glory. He ALWAYS has a Divine Purpose we can trust.
This was a meaningful devotion for me today. We’ve spent the last week downsizing our current apartment and beginning to take things to the new one. Leaving behind good memories, looking forward to the future the Lord has in store. This almost 80 yr body city protest greatly this morning! Prayers are greatly appreciated this week. Moving day is Saturday! All the confusion has greatly upset my husband’s understanding and memory. The constant questions repeatedly are hard for all of us. My sister has been a tremendous help but she returns home tomorrow. Couldn’t have done ant of this w/o my son and wonderful DILove!!! Prayers for your requests. Have a godly and good Monday❤
If we are honest, every season is “the best of times and the worst of times.” It just depends on what you want to focus on.
Celebrating 30 years of marriage to Michael today! Woo hoo
What a perfect word this was for me after a restless night spent worrying about things in the future. This past year has been a mix of incredible joy and tremendous heartbreak for our family and sometimes (ok, way too often) I find myself trying to solve all the problems I and my loved ones face in my own wisdom and strength. I know better. What a reminder this was that God holds my future in his hands and does not intend to harm me.
I love the passage from Jeremiah that was part of the reading today as well. When the Israelites were sent to exile, God gives them the command to plant roots in Babylon: continue life, get married, have children, build houses. Even in the exile, there were opportunities for joy and fulfillment. God may have sent his people away from Jerusalem as a punishment, but even in that punishment he was with them; still providing, still multiplying, still growing. What a gracious and loving God we serve who doesn’t turn his back on his people!
Amen! ❤️
Today I did my devotional backwards. I read Raechel’s thoughts first then went back and read the scriptures. I have never been a ‘deep’ reader and often never see the rich meanings contained in the passages. I think this may be a good way to learn how to seek out those treasures!! I am excited!
I’m excited for this study. I just started grad school and am overwhelmed and unsure of what my future career will be. I will rest in Christ and know that He has plans for me.
Keep your eyes up looking at and for the yet-unfulfilled promises God has made in his word…Christ is doing a new thing!! That is for sure. Yes & Amen. This is so encouraging to me, thank you RM for your devotional, spoke so clearly to me this morning. I will be rereading it!! TINA, bless you, thank you for sharing. Have a blessed week She’s! “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13 ESV “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV
As someone still hoping for a new season, this was the word from the LORD I needed today ♥️
Dwelling is sometimes hard to let go. Especially when I dream of the important people I have lost this year
Amen
Our God is faithful
My daughter in law has this saying when things are going so right and looking good.
She could be talking about the dog with a juicy bone, or the children getting the freedom to make a mess in the kitchen, oooops I mean bake something without supervision! Or even doing something you thought you’d never do!
“Living my/ her/ their best life” I always smile.
As you have said, RAECHEL MYERS, these are moments, yes, moments to be remembered and probably will be for a loooooooong time..
But here’s the thing, I think our ‘best lives’ here on earth, are lived in moments, seasons.. perhaps..
BUT GOD…
God’s best life for us, though He gives us, and wants good things for us, here on earth, I am certain, hand on heart, the BEST is yet to come..
I guess, if I were to think this through, I think every day is my best life!
I often say, when telling my story, I would go through it all again, the good, the bad, the ugly, not because I liked the feeling of rejection, or being in an abusive marriage, or the heartbreak of losing a child, but you see, though I felt rejected, by my mum, I was so very loved by my dad. I had to be in the abusive marriage to have had my beautiful daughter who gave me each day ‘a best life’! Losing her, and the heartbreak that it came with, meant I soon found that my ONLY Hope was God. He, and He alone, knows the plans He has for me, I am now equipped ready to be where she is, when the time comes, but that whilst, here on earth, I am able, by Gods grace, to walk alongside others who are walking a journey of loss..
Best life, it doesn’t sound like it,..
BUT GOD, He has used my situations, good or bad, to help someone else, have a ‘best life’ moment, in Him..
Sooo..
AMEN.
I Waffled.. sorry..
Happy Monday people! Wishing you ‘A best life’ day, wrapped in love and joy!❤️
I can’t help but dwell on the past, knowing that the future holds so much uncertainty. I feel lost in the midst of my journey, caught between what used to be and what lies ahead.