God's Arresting Grace

Times are difficult in 2009.  Everywhere we turn we hear of the economic recession.  Many families are struggling as more and more people lose their jobs, suffer cutbacks, and find themselves buried in debt.  The news media reminds us daily of just how bleak the economic picture appears.  At a time when people need to be encouraged our media continues to hammer them with news of increased unemployment, failure of economic stimulus plans to make an early impact, and the decreased value of the dollar.  It has become heartbreaking for many to read the morning newspaper for fear that one more economic light has burned out.  Many drive to work with fear and trembling, wondering if their job is still there.  Life surely seems to be cast in a dark and dismal scene.  However, in the midst of the economic instability let us not forget the sure foundation of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God's Word does not tell us that God only loves us and cares for us when things are going well, but instead we are told that His mercy endures forever. Remember Jeremiah's letter to the Jews in exile in Babylon. They had lost their identity, their homeland, their religion, and their faith.  Life was as dark as it had ever been.  They felt like God had forsaken them and that thier situation was hopeless.  In the midst of this despairing situation Jeremiah wrote: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile" (Jeremiah 29:11-14).

While the world tells you there is no hope of a better tomorrow, God's grace stops us in our tracks and reminds us that we are His children and He has a perfect plan for us. When we acknowledge His arresting grace and stop following the mourning song of the world and seek the heart of God with all our energy and passion, we will find Him and He will restore us!