When I was preparing myself to write this devotional, I read all the selected scripture. I read it in four different versions. I read several pieces of devotional material, and took lots of notes. When I finally sat down to write, I noticed that between my thoughts and my notes I was primarily focused on what could and can separate us from God, our Father. I had pages of examples from the Bible to my own experiences. With these thoughts I was having a hard time finding something positive and uplifting to say or share. I looked back in my notes to find the theme for this devotional. BING – a light came on – It wasn’t “What I did to get myself in a world of mess and then the grace of God brought me back!” It was “Return & Rejoice!” How silly of me! God is not focused on what we have done. He is focused on our return to Him. He rejoices, and we do too, when we have stopped and turned toward Him.
Have you ever thought about someone who was separated from God? What that person looks like? Physically this person may look gloomy, worried, or have a low posture. Mentally this person may have a negative or distant personality. Have you seen a person who has felt or feels the love of God? Who has returned to God? Physically that person usually has a glow, a smile, a relaxed or straight posture. Mentally this person may be positive, loving, accepting. It is just amazing the physical and mental transformation.
To be that person who has those experiences of feeling lost and then found or have returned home to God, in my case sometimes more than once, it is the most amazing feeling. (Now if I could just stop taking that feeling away from myself. I have to remind myself that God is the constant not me.) If you are in the position of feeling lost, know that God is with you and has more grace and love than you can imagine. If you are in the position of feeling the return home, share that with someone. Someone you know or even someone you might not know. Remember that There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Father of us all, watch over us as we act like children, your children. Sometimes rebellious, sometimes loving, sometimes suffering. I praise you for being filled with enough grace and love for all of us, even when we feel like we don’t deserve it. Thank you for reminding us that you do not condemn us, you are the only one who brings blessings from the ashes. In your son, Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen
