Summer reading is a popular way to relax during the holiday season – at home in the garden, away in the countryside or sitting on the beach. Some access their reading through modern technology, others prefer to turn the pages of a real book. This Whirlow blog considers the different ways God might be speaking to us through His written Word, and the words he may be calling us to write in the living books of our lives. We are invited to respond.

In our April 25th blog we encouraged one another to become ‘living books’ of gratitude – you may wish to re-read it here before continuing.

The theme of books is also found in the first part of today’s Old Testament story. Here, the God of Israel asks the Prophet Jeremiah, to:

‘Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.’

– Jeremiah 30: 1-2 (NRSV)

Calling to mind the people, events, activities and things we are grateful for – as suggested in the April blog – is perhaps easier than writing down the words God is speaking to us in our daily lives. Even with our modern range of writing implements, we might not find this sort of writing any easier!

Perhaps there are words from God that we would rather not hear, let alone write down?

Maybe there are missions or challenges we would rather not follow or face?

Instead of seeking God’s guidance and comfort through our trials or sorrows, we can sometimes struggle to express our thoughts and feelings, becoming inwardly focussed and bottling things up. In doing so, things can quickly feel overwhelming. At these times, hope and gratitude might seem far off, or even completely absent.

Later in Jeremiah 30: 12-15 the words God is asking the prophet to write down in this book seem to speak of the desolation we can all experience during times of regret and inward focus:

For thus says the Lord:
Your hurt is incurable,
   your wound is grievous.
There is no one to uphold your cause,
   no medicine for your wound,
   no healing for you.
All your lovers have forgotten you;
   they care nothing for you;
for I have dealt you the blow of an enemy,
   the punishment of a merciless foe,
because your guilt is great,
   because your sins are so numerous.
Why do you cry out over your hurt?
   Your pain is incurable.
Because your guilt is great,
   because your sins are so numerous,
   I have done these things to you.

– Jeremiah 30: 12-15 (NRSV)

Pause for a moment, if you like, to reflect on these written words. Do any of them resonate with you today? Is there anything you would like to bring to God in words – spoken or written? Or is there an urge to keep it all bottled up – to look inwards?

God does not leave us here in this place of desolation. If we read on, we are assured of His promises of restoration, His presence. We are not alone:

Thus says the Lord:
“I am going to restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob,
   and have compassion on his dwellings;
the city shall be rebuilt upon its mound,
   and the citadel set on its rightful site.
Out of them shall come thanksgiving,
   and the sound of merrymakers.
I will make them many, and they shall not be few;
   I will make them honoured, and they shall not be disdained.
Their children shall be as of old,
   their congregation shall be established before me;
   and I will punish all who oppress them.
Their prince shall be one of their own,
   their ruler shall come from their midst;
I will bring him near, and he shall approach me,
   for who would otherwise dare to approach me?” says the Lord.
“And you shall be my people,
   and I will be your God.”

- Jeremiah 30: 18-22 (NRSV)

God is faithful within the challenges and sorrows that each of us face each day in every season of our lives.

God is faithful even when our sinful natures cause us not to be faithful.

God is faithful and will console and restore us.

Today, how might you draw closer to God – to ask Him for the grace to look outwards rather than inwards?

What words might God be inviting you to write in the living book of your life?

For God is with us, no matter where we are, no matter what we face, we are not alone.

You might want to conclude this reflection by listening to this piece of music: For God is With Us