Backsliding

 I remember when we were kids, we would play in the creek or on other muddy places. We would try to climb up the bank, but our feet would slide back even farther than the big step we tried to make. We could try harder and harder, but we would keep sliding back. It is like that old saying, "It is like taking 2 steps forward and three steps back." There is no moving forward, just standing still or going backwards.

That is how it was for the Lord's people in Jeremiah's day. They were getting farther from the Lord, instead of getting closer to Him. (Jeremiah 3:22) So God called to His people and said, "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." The people responded, "Indeed, we do come to You, for You are the Lord our God." They made the decision that many believers need to make today.

Are you sliding back away from God, or are you closer to Him than you have ever been? There is no middle ground. We can't stay right where we are and be content with that. If we try to do that, and we do not grow in the Lord, we will be backsliders. We will see the effects in many areas of our lives with multiple backslidings.  We will slide back in worship, prayer, Bible reading, witnessing, ministering, and other areas. However, there is a cure for this condition.

If we will return to God, like God told the Israelites, He will heal our backslidings. No matter how far we have slid from the Lord, it just takes one step to get back to Him. Then, we have to fully submit to Him in faith, so that we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us and empower us to grow in the Lord in every area of our lives. Then, we will be on solid footing, and as long as we stay close to the Lord, we will not be backsliding children any more. That is the way to the abundant life in Jesus.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 4-8.