The blog below come from Sonya Schweighart, author of the blog, Responding in Faith. Sonya and her husband have 11 children several of which have been adopted throughout the world.

Pick Up Your Tambourine

“At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.” Thus says the Lord, “The people who survived the sword Found grace in the wilderness- Israel, when it went to find its rest.” The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. “Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! Again you will take up your tambourines, And go forth to the dances of the merrymakers. (Jeremiah 31:1-4 NASB)

I have spoken to so many families this week who have been in survivor mode with their children. The ones that I see who make it through the storms…who can turn mourning into rejoicing…are the ones that hold tight to the hem of Jesus’ garment. They fight for family. They fight for their children. They don’t give up hope…even if it means they have to search for a new family for their child. God is still their God.

God walks with us through the storms of life. He never leaves our sides. With loving kindness, He guides our paths. He makes them straight. Sometimes our lives…our family’s lives…our children’s lives…they have to be rebuilt. But they are rebuilt by the hand of God. I think often during the rebuilding times of Job and his steadfastness. In today’s society our culture has a difficult time with going through long suffering. Hardships. Trusting God through those difficult times.

I have been through the storms in life. I have walked the path of hardship and long suffering with a child. I have experienced being pruned back so that better fruits could be produced in our home. I can tell you that the climb over the mountain can be excruciating, oh but the view from the top…it’s breathtaking.

God offers us grace.

He shows us how to rest if only we quiet ourselves from our busyness.

Busyness. It’s the number one thing that breaks down the family. It pulls us away from focusing on heart issues. Heart issues in ourselves. Heart issues in our children.

But yet God offers rest!

After rest.
After renewal.
We are to pick up our tambourines and dance before our mighty God. Dances of merriment is exactly what the Word says.

Being full of merry.

Some of you reading this today don’t even have the strength to lift up the tambourine. The thought of merriment crushes you. You are in that place of long suffering. God wants you to find rest.

Find rest, dear friend. Rest in Him…Knowing that He is God! He is God Almighty!

Joy will come with the morning light.

Dear friends do you think that Jesus doesn’t understand your suffering? He suffered much as He walked this earth. He understands your pain. He is capturing your tears as you pour out right this very moment. He cares so much, He captures each one in a jar with your name on it. He knows that the things you do, you have done in His name.

Oh Beloved! Hold onto the promise that His Word says the He heals the broke hearted and binds up their wounds.

Now may be your time of rebuilding just as it was for Israel. Rebuilding comes in many different forms. But rebuilding starts with Christ as the Cornerstone.

Be filled with God’s strength today! Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus! He will guide you through…and sometimes carry you…through the storm!