S) "15 All Judah rejoiced concerning the oath, for they had sworn with their whole heart and had sought Him earnestly, and He let them find Him. So the Lord gave them rest on every side."
2 Chronicles 15:15 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 15
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 15
O) This cannot be prescriptive, exactly, because Jesus commanded us not to swear oaths anymore. This cannot be taken as a promise, per se, because the rest they enjoyed was political in nature and also specific to the prophecy given to King Asa (vv.1-7). There are still principles to practice in this, that repentance is right, and that we will find God when we seek Him earnestly. Most importantly, though, this is showing us some of God's character. The Father is a good Father. He longs for reconciliation. He desires for us to have peace (although, it may look different than what we expect).
A) The most applicable thing in this, for me right now, I think is the rejoicing. Lately, my life has a lot of unknown things in it. I'm not sure where my career is going. I'm not sure where I'll be living by the end of the Summer. I'm not sure what will happen to the small group that we've been leading. Through all of that, it's easy for me to get distracted, and even a little depressed. However, when I can focus on who my God is, and what He wants for me (namely, that He desires reconciliation which He has brought through Christ, and He desires me to have peace in my spirit, which He has brought through Christ), then I have every reason to rejoice! It's not always easy to put my perspective where it should be, but this verse is another reminder that God hasn't changed. None of His promises fade. He is still as good as He was the day I found Him. When I first gave my life to Him, and I first felt the freedom and peace that came through my redemption, I couldn't help but smile. That is the rejoicing I want to keep. That is the rejoicing that is alluring to a stressed out, uncertain, and dying world. That is the joy of redeemed life.
A) The most applicable thing in this, for me right now, I think is the rejoicing. Lately, my life has a lot of unknown things in it. I'm not sure where my career is going. I'm not sure where I'll be living by the end of the Summer. I'm not sure what will happen to the small group that we've been leading. Through all of that, it's easy for me to get distracted, and even a little depressed. However, when I can focus on who my God is, and what He wants for me (namely, that He desires reconciliation which He has brought through Christ, and He desires me to have peace in my spirit, which He has brought through Christ), then I have every reason to rejoice! It's not always easy to put my perspective where it should be, but this verse is another reminder that God hasn't changed. None of His promises fade. He is still as good as He was the day I found Him. When I first gave my life to Him, and I first felt the freedom and peace that came through my redemption, I couldn't help but smile. That is the rejoicing I want to keep. That is the rejoicing that is alluring to a stressed out, uncertain, and dying world. That is the joy of redeemed life.
P) Father, thank You for Your character. You do not change. Despite my ups and downs, You remain faithful and good. Thank You for the grace that is at work in me today, the same grace that has been at work in me since my creation. You are a good, good Father. I know that I will not always have peace around me, but if I am focused on Christ then I will have peace within me. I know there are still going to be hard days, but when they come, let me put my mind on who You are, and the promises I have in You, and who I am in Christ. All of this to Your glory. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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