Jeremiah Made Me Think

In my quest to finish reading the entire Bible, I was doing my usual Chapter-a-Day morning time with God when I came across this verse in Jeremiah 10:

“For thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I am slinging out the inhabitants of the land at this time; And will cause them distress, that they may be found.” (v.18)

I had to read it repeatedly. Doing Old Testament books had always been challenging for me since they usually feature a nation running away and God sending warnings about His wrath through His prophets. Something about God’s righteous wrath makes my soul uneasy. I mean, it took me 3 months to finish Deuteronomy and I had to stop and switch to Philippians halfway for a reprieve. But that’s another discussion altogether.

Going back, the verse struck me that I had to stop my quiet time. I began to think about the “distresses” of my life – work, relationships, family life and future. And I realized that when life was peachy perfect, my spiritual life becomes stable.. but not moving forward. For sure I still do the things I do and pray the things I pray. But when life suddenly begins to unravel, that’s when my faith soars. I question and I get my answer.. or I get peace that surpasses understanding.

What are the distresses in your life right now? Are you being found by God? Or are you running away from Him? I’ve never met anyone who found the solutions to his problems by running away. The best answers I found to my problems was when I bring it to God and have a no-holds-barred, completely honest conversation with Him through prayer and His Word.

I continued on with the chapter and had to stop again:

“I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O Lord, but with justice; not with Your anger or You will bring me to nothing.” (v.23-24)

I think most people struggle with taking control of their lives. I know I do. I have always been taught to carpe diem (seize the day!) and to grab life by the horns. Describing the next few months as uncertain will be an understatement for me. But this verse just reminded me that I don’t control the direction of my life anymore. He’s got this… and that’s all I need to know.

What is directing your steps right now? Is it your ambition, desires or wants? I found this quote in my notes from my home church sermons – “Don’t underestimate your capacities in God’s grace in you.” Are you letting God’s grace flow through you and show you the way? You can do so much more and accomplish much more greater things if you let God take control.