{ Day 17 }

“I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty,” declares the Lord. —Jeremiah 31:13-14

Oh, the sense of anticipation that filled my heart as I realized that the Lord had real affirmation and affection for me. I began to feel confidence before Him. It was too good to be true! I wept for joy. And when the tears finally ceased, I could sense the anger, bitterness, guilt, and condemnation beginning to diminish in my heart. My little, flickering flame of human zeal was replaced by a blaze of passionate love for a glorious person. His intense devotion and ardent affection for me far exceeded that of my earthly father’s … and I knew I would never, ever, be the same.

{ PRAYER STARTER }

God, You—the Creator of all heaven and Earth—are really my friend! Your friendship causes a rush of excitement in me. I am filled with such great love for You, and I will spend my life loving You more and serving You with all that I am and have.

Understanding God’s great affection for me
was beginning to reignite my love for Him.