Return and Rise Again

Scripture (Jeremiah 15:19, NKJV):

"Therefore thus says the Lord:

'If you return, then I will bring you back; you shall stand before Me; if you take out the precious vile, You shall be as My mouth. Let them return to you, but you must not return to them.'"

Devotional:

Sometimes God lets life knock you flat just so you'll finally look up. Jeremiah had reached that point - hurt, frustrated, and ready to quit. Instead of scolding him, God offered an invitation: return, and I'll restore you.

That's His heart for us, too. Every time you drift, He doesn't push you away; He calls you back. But restoration always comes with refinement. "If you utter worthy, not worthless, words..." means God is reshaping your mouth and mindset so that what comes out reflects heaven, not hurt.

He's not asking you to be perfect - He's asking you to be pure in motive and message. You can't speak for Him while still speaking like them.

That's why He said, "Let them turn to you, but you must not turn to them." Translation: don't bend to blend in. You were called to stand out.

This verse isn't about punishment - it's about promotion. When you return, He restores. When you restore, He reassigns. And when you speak truth, He backs your words with His authority.

Questions to consider:

1. What area of my life do I need to "return" to God so He can restore it?

2. Have my words lately been worthy or worthless - do they reflect truth or frustration?

3. Who or what is trying to pull me back into old habits that God has already called me out of?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for never giving up on me even when I get weary or wander off. I'm returning to You today - not halfway, but fully. Purify my heart and my words so that I speak life, not bitterness. Help me stand firm in Your truth and not turn back to what You've already rescued me from. In Jesus' Name, Amen.