Afterwards, however

Afterwards, however, it will be inhabited as in the days of old," declares the LORD. Jer 46.26

Thats comforting. This whole chapter was about the downfall and destruction of Egypt. One soldier tripping over another, and mercenaries fleeing. Strong men running like cowards, and cities burned to the ground. And then this one little sentence.

How wonderful to know that God will restore. This is something I needed to hear now. I haven't done my devotional reading for over a month, and haven't really prayed in longer than that. But I know that God will restore me too.

Quite often I don't feel worthy of returning to God after spending time away from Him like this. But Watchman Nee pointed out that I need to analyze this feeling a little more deeply. Worthy? I am not worthy to come before God in the first place. By stating that I feel unworthy now, it implies I was worthy before. I come to God now on the same basis I did before: grace by the Blood shed for me.

I can pray today, not because I prayed yesterday, but because Jesus is worthy. I can read my bible and expect to hear God's Voice because Jesus is worthy, not because I have been faithful in coming into His presence each day.

Like the armies and cities of Egypt, my life may appear to be in ruins. Afterwards, however, it will be as of old. Praise God.