Day 20

Day Twenty:  Promises

When we take care how we treat others, as well as how we speak about others, there are many promises of blessings that God explains will be ours…
“And your gloom will become like midday.” Joy instead of depression (verse 10)
 
“And the Lord will continually guide you…”. Guidance for daily life (verse 11)
“And satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places…”. Contentment in difficult times (verse 11)
“And you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.”… Refreshed and enthusiastic (verse 11)
“And your people will rebuild the ancient ruins;  you will raise up and restore the age old foundations [of buildings that have been laid waste];  you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” (verse 12)

Verse 12 deals with the effects upon our communities of following the fast that God prefers.
Where breaches of covenants have occurred, we can repair those areas.
Our towns and cities can come back to life again.

This makes sense when you think about it.
If we make sure people are not oppressed, but are free to live with liberty;
If we will be aware of the needs of others around us and begin meeting those needs;
If we will not point fingers or talk critically of others, but approach correction in love…
The world would look much different.

Cities would look much different.
Families would look much different.
Churches would look much different.

The voids people feel in their lives come up to mostly one thing—a lack of love in their lives.

Ask the Holy Spirit what is one simple act you can do today for someone else to make sure they know they are loved by God.

One action may seem small, but those actions have a way of multiplying.
And when you do something for someone else, how does it make you feel?  Perhaps like verse 10 explains…a little less gloomy and more like the sun is shining in your life?