The NIV 365 Day Devotional
Turn Around
Choices can determine the course of a life. They can establish the legacy of a family. And they can affect the destiny of a nation. Wise choices will bring blessing; foolish ones will bring destruction and pain. Some choices can cost us nearly everything.
This passage tells an allegory of how the people of Jerusalem betrayed God. The language paints a picture of a loving God who had compassion on people who had nothing of their own, who were alone and helpless. God’s tender care is beautiful to see. But we are shocked as the story continues. The people betray God—they abandon their Savior and pursue other gods. God’s love is spurned by the people’s willful and selfish choices.
Maybe you’ve made some poor choices too. Have you chosen to walk your own road, going against what you know to be right? Has the allure of illicit love, personal ambition, intriguing philosophies or accumulating things or anything else caused you to overlook what is really important? Have you realized yet that God is not going to change the rules or make an exception for you? God will deal with you. There is no getting around that. He loves you too much to leave you to follow your own ways or the ways of the world.
The next choice you make could be the one that changes your life. Instead of going your own way, return to the Lover of your soul. Rather than making choices on a whim, think carefully and wisely. Be honest with God about the mistakes you’ve made. Let go of your self-centered ways— completely—and turn full-faced toward God. Be intentional. Deliberate. And choose to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1–2).
Reflection:
- How have the choices you have made, good and bad, affected the course of your life?
- Is there an area of your life in which you need to turn from disobedience? If so, will you do so today?
- What tangible steps will you take to turn toward God?
Taken from the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible.