“Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword Found grace in the wilderness, Israel, when I went to give him rest.” The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, … Thus says the Lord: “Refrain your voice from weeping, And your eyes from tears; For your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord, …There is hope in your future, says the Lord, … For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.””

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31:2-4, 16-17, 25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In 2019 Vance and I took a cruise for our 20th anniversary. It was the first time since I became a supervisor that I’d ever left my phone behind and completely unplugged. It took me a couple of days to detox but once I did it was amazing. I couldn’t believe the freedom I felt. Ask anyone who knows me – I love my job – but to take a break was glorious, overdue, and necessary. I returned to work completely refreshed. It was the most enjoyable and satisfying vacation – and maybe even the first and only true vacation – I’ve ever experienced. 

That’s the memory that came to mind today as I was meditating on the daily reading. The same feeling I had on days 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the cruise is the same gift He offers me. The Hebrew word for satiate is râvâh and means abundantly satisfied or drenched. It’s like water that falls on a wilted plant, causing the leaves to open and brighten. That’s the promise He has for you and for me. If we’ll just hold on a little longer, He’ll come like the rain and satiate our lives weary souls. I don’t know about you, but I could use some of that about now. 

Father – thank You for Your grace. Strengthen my weary heart and guide my steps. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 29-31

August 15, 2022