God is with us. We aren’t just the people of God by default, because of a prayer we prayed or a building we sit in on the weekends.

Ezra 9:8 (NIV®)

“Now for a brief moment, the LORD our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage.” 

 

Ezra’s generation is suffering because of their rebellion, their stubbornness, the hardness of their hearts, and their unwillingness to cooperate with God. They have endured much. They’ve seen Jerusalem and the temple destroyed. Much of the population has suffered greatly, yet Ezra says, “We are not alone. God has not deserted us.” I want to be absolutely certain you’re aware of that: God is with us. We aren’t just the people of God by default, because of a prayer we prayed or a building we sit in on the weekends. Our stories are imperfect. Our family legacies are often less than ideal. Our circumstances typically are not wonderful. You may be enduring a difficult season―physically, emotionally, relationally, or financially. There may be places in your heart where disappointment and brokenness have invaded. But you are not alone. We are God’s people, and He watches over our lives. It changes everything.

 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, what a joy it is to know that You are watching over my life, even when I am in a difficult season. Thank You that Your love for me is not determined by my circumstances or my attitudes. Thank You that You are a gracious and forgiving God who sees me as a beloved child. Help me to always see Your love as constant and secure, even when things around me seem as shifting sand. In Jesus’ name, amen.