August 13: Smile!

Jeremiah 51:59, 50:1-40

Jeremiah 50:4-7

Amplified Bible (AMP)

4 In those days and at that time, says the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together; they shall come up weeping as they come and seek the Lord their God [inquiring for and of Him and requiring Him, both by right of necessity and of the promises of God’s Word].

5 They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces in that direction, saying, Come, let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.

6 My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray [to favorite places of idolatry] on mountains [that seduce]. They have gone from [one sin to another] mountain to hill; they have forgotten their [own] resting-place.

7 All who found them devoured them; and their adversaries said, We are not guilty, because they have sinned against the Lord [and are no longer holy to Him], their true habitation of righteousness andjustice, even the Lord, the hope of their fathers.

Have you ever been led astray? I have! Sometimes by people, and sometimes by my own flesh. Being led astray doesn't always mean falling into shocking sin against God's word. Sometimes "led astray" simply means slacking a little. Being lazy. Making the choice to ignore the tiny voice (did I ever mention the tiny encouraging voice is always God's voice?) in our head urging us to take a step of action. Sometimes God may be saying, "Hey, I miss you! You've been sleeping late and missing our special time." Sometimes God is saying, "Your friend (the one who doesn't really have any positive friends in her life except you right now) needs encouragement today." Ask God right now what He'd like for you to do for Him today. I promise a thought will pop into your head. Probably something you've been meaning to do for a long time, but kept putting it off. Just do it. Don't be led astray a second longer!

"Dear Jesus, I want to bind myself to You! I don't want to be slacking around any longer. When I follow my own lazy desires, I always end up in a pit of depression. On the other hand, when I follow Your still small voice and do Your commands, You lead me beside still waters. I am always renewed and refreshed when I obey You. Always. And I feel Your smile. Your ways are sure. I praise You, Almighty God! You are worthy! In Jesus name I pray these things, AMEN."