Jeremiah 49:4 Why do you boast of your valleys, boast of your valleys so fruitful? Unfaithful Daughter Ammon, you trust in your riches and say, ‘Who will attack me?’
Normally when I read scripture from the Old Testament, I am struck by God’s anger and vengeance. This time is different. I keep seeing, instead, God’s mercy and compassion, His overwhelming desire to bring us back into right relationship with Him. Psalm 51:17 comes to mind, which says: “The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
Jeremiah 49:6 “Yet afterward, I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites,” declares the Lord.
God’s not in the business of making us comfortable, wealthy, powerful, or influential. He is concerned about the state of our hearts and our eternal souls. He understands the world’s pull to self-reliance and self-sufficiency. He knows the eternal dangers and ramifications of that route. He doesn’t want that for us. He wants us to have rich, full lives in Him.
Jeremiah 49:11 “‘Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive. Your widows too can depend on me.’ ”
Lord, Thank You that I am able to see Your overwhelming love and compassion for Your people as I read Your scripture. Thank You for loving me too much to allow me to rely on myself. I know “The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” Help me. Draw me closer. Amen.
Jeremiah 49:39 “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come,” declares the Lord.
Have a blessed day.