The Lord Restores

When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the LORD has done for them.” Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!

Psalm 126:1-3

One of the things I love about the Lord is that he is a God of second chances, who delights in forgiving and restoring his people. How many of us need a second chance when we have made poor choices? At other times our hearts break over someone who betrays us, over a self-destructive child, or over a broken relationship. Can you identify with the song the exiles were singing on the way to Jerusalem following their long exile?

Restoration is one of the great themes of the Bible, and it reflects God’s unfailing mercy and grace. God gave a second chance to Moses after he had committed murder, to David after his sin with Bathsheba, to Hezekiah when he became deathly ill, to Jonah when he ran from God, to Peter after his denial of Christ. Throughout history, countless people, once running from God or having made a mess of their lives, have received a fresh chance to fulfill God’s purpose.

Just as God restored these people, he offers restoration to you. The key is to run away from your own way and run to God. There is no pit so deep or dark that he can’t reach you! When you come with a heart sorry for your sins, the Lord will give you a second chance at life. Then, like God’s people returning from exile, you will be filled with so much joy that it overflows into laughter and singing. And those around you will see what amazing things the Lord has done for you!

Father, thank you for not giving up on me. How I praise you for your grace that brings restoration. My heart is filled with the joy of knowing that you hold out a loving hand and say, “Trust me! Try again and know that I am with you!”

If it weren’t for second chances, no one would get into heaven. It would just be God and Jesus and that is not God’s plan.

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