“This is what the Lord says: What did your ancestors find wrong with me that led them to stray so far from me? They worshiped worthless idols, only to become worthless themselves. They did not ask ‘Where is the Lord who brought us safely out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness – a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and death, where no one lives or travels?’ And when I brought you into a fruitful land to enjoy its bounty and goodness, you defiled my land and corrupted the possession I had promised you. The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord?’ Those who taught my word ignored me, the rulers turned against me, and the prophets spoke in the name of Baal, wasting their time on worthless idols.”

That is from Jeremiah 2:5-8, in the New Living Translation. These verses really break my heart. After reading them I started to think, “Wow, Israel was such a selfish and ungrateful group of people. They blatantly turned away from God despite the numerous miracles He had performed in their midst and despite all of the times He had answered their prayers.” In that moment, I realized that I had been describing myself. I, too, get wrapped up in everything that is happening around me (for Israel that distraction was Baal worship) and turn away from God. I find some kind of fault in the perfect peace that He promises to lavish upon me if I will keep my eyes focused on Him. God longs to fulfill every spiritual need and desire I will ever have if I obey His word and look to Him for guidance daily.

Why would the God of the universe long to have that kind of intimate relationship with sinful and distracted people, though? Because He is better. He is better than the fading things this world has to offer and only He can fulfill every lacking part of you and I PERFECTLY. He is better and He loves every single one of us with an everlasting love. How incredible is that?

Kelsea Davis