Deuteronomy 30:3
“then the LORD your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the LORD your God has scattered you.”
The last entry spoke of spiritual restoration. We referred to the book of Ezra and how Ezra was instrumental in reconstructing the temple. Today we will focus on the other areas of our lives that God restores.
The other book that speaks of Israel’s restoration is Nehemiah. It’s topic was reconstructing the city walls upon their return. The surrounding people were used to dominating and terrorizing those in Jerusalem. Nehemiah knew that for a city, nation or people to grow, defenses are necessary. The book details all that went on as well as how the behavior of the surrounding bullies and their attempts to stop the reconstruction.
The Lord seeks to make us whole. When we turn away from Him, there are parts of us that fall into disrepair. Some a little, others a lot. We, as people, consist of many parts and have many types of relationships. We are mental, emotional, social, work, leisure, and have family, friends, coworkers and so on. The spiritual was addressed last time. In addition to that, healthy, balanced people have health in all of the mentioned areas.
Many have addictions of all sorts that are used in an attempt to cope with their pain. Unfortunately, these are rarely controlled and those around them suffer. The children, spouses and friends end up with broken parts of their lives.
Others have poor relationships. They may be lonely or in chaotic relationships. The Lords wants to heal those and help fill those social needs.
Some have an inner life that needs help. Some are depressed, anxious, have obsessions, compulsions and so on.
Our lives can be a storm that The Lord wants to calm. When Jesus was in a boat on stormy seas, He stood up and said, “Hush, be still”, (Mark 4:39). I can recall the peace that filled my heart a couple weeks after accepting Christ. I also began to sleep well. That was 39 years ago. There are other areas He has calmed over the course of my life.
Lord, thanks for the restoration that You want to do in us. Help us to comply and stay with You.