Burden or blessing

"But the burden of the Lord you must mention no more, for every man's burden is his own response and word..." Jeremiah 23:36 AMP

Although I may be a bit off at recognizing the true meaning of the verse, I do believe that a great way to interpret is, "Most of our burdens are self-induced and self-inflicted because of the way we speak about our circumstances, and our irresponsible actions.". Well, I think that it's time to make some changes.  You?

Maybe we should face our burdens, stop putting all of our focus on them, and begin to put the focus on God; with Him we will gain a strong footing, and a new perspective, and better choice of words, which will help make decisions as to what steps to take next.  As well, He'll help us look at our burdens with new eyes, and we will see that there is, somehow, a blessing in disguise beginning to take place.

So, when faced with a burden that seems overwhelming, stop and ask God if it is truly a burden or a blessing in disguise; I guarantee He'll provide a glimpse, and a way, to a blessed ending, guaranteed to make the agony of the what was once thought of as a burden, a blessing that is worth every ounce of pain to obtain it.

There is a right way!

“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his [upper] chambers by injustice.” Jeremiah 22:13 AMP

Another way to read this verse:

Lie, cheat, and steal to get what you want – destruction, pain, darkness, and  desolation will be what you get!

OR…

Follow God in all your endeavors, and all your endeavors will be blessed and full of His glory.

 

Choosing life vs. Choosing death

“… Thus says the Lord, Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.” Jeremiah 21:8

The way to a slow, agonizing death is by continuing in knowing sin, such as: immorality, lying, stealing, cheating – hence, evil in all forms.

But…

The way to a fulfilling and blessed life is by repentance and salvation, giving up all forms of sin, and handing your life, in its entirety, over to God.

Personally, I highly recommend the road to life, because, for me, it’s the only reason I am alive today, and my life gets blessed and more amazing every step of the way.  I pray you’ve chosen the same thing – if not, please consider the destination of sin… is that truly the way you want your life to end???

Hand crafted

“… Behold, as the clay is in the potters hand, so are you in my hand…” Jeremiah 18:6

Do you know how special you are?  God loves you so much! He’s shaping you, forming you, molding you into the person that He’s put you here to be - hand crafting the very purpose He’s put you here to fulfill.  Therefore, embrace your life, embrace who you are, and, although you may not know your purpose yet, you will!  And, boy oh boy, once you do, you will experience His miraculous glory in amazing brilliance every step of the way!

Yes, my friend, you are important, you have meaning, you are God’s child, and you are loved beyond imagination.

Trust in, rely on - have hope and confidence in

“[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is.  For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots… it shall not see and fear when heat comes…. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of the drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

To trust in, believe in, rely on, and have hope and confidence in God equals stability, contentment, fruit bearing, and fearlessness (just to name a few). However, on the flip side, to trust in, believe in, rely on, and have hope and confidence in the world (and/or yourself) equals failure, darkness, worry, thirst, fruitlessness – hence, a slow, torture-filled death. YIKES

I’m personally going to opt for placing myself in God’s hands … what about you?

Worthy or worthless words?

“… if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be My spokesman….” Jeremiah 15:19 NIV

When you speak, should people stop and listen?  Really?  Words matter! Words spoken can be a matter of life or death to someone, so if yours aren’t worth the breath to speak – change them, it’ll do you, and the individuals you speak to, a huge favor.

Be a spokesperson for God, make sure your words lift up and not push down; use your words for good, not evil; and, make a point, every day, to use your words to encourage someone - you may just be the blessing that someone needs to make it through another day.

 

In our midst

"... yet You, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name..." 

Jeremiah 14:9

You and I are not alone, we are never, nor will be ever be alone - God is always with us!

I know there are times when the feeling of loneliness can get get overwhelming; overwhelming to the point of tears, depression, and fear - but, those are the times when God can do His best work if we let Him, if we call on Him, if we trust Him!  Remember, the pain you've felt, or are feeling now, is only a season, so take hold of God with your life, and in due time you will, once again, see His light shine; there will be a new spring in your step, and the mountain that once stopped you in your tracks will be barely visible in your past.