In Jeremiah 31, there is a phrase that is repeated by the Lord to the hearer of these words. The phrase "The LORD's declaration" occurs 10 times in these 40 verses. These words even appear at times in the middle of a thought or sentence, uniquely placed to garner attention. The message is repeated to ensure a message is known: that God can be trusted.

During the Prophet Ezra's time, the work had begun to rebuild the temple. There was an eager desire among God's people, leading them to anticipate what that place would afford them upon it's completion. As the people worked and waited, even in the midst of their exhaustion, they made time to worship.

Zechariah was a prophet who encouraged God's people to finish rebuilding the temple. He also encouraged people to rebuild their relationship with God and Worship Him. He pointed people towards God's promises. It is in Him we can have true rest and security.

In Ezra, God's remnant is instructed to recover from their exile with....work. This work would be costly, demanding, and long; but this work actually aimed to bring rest. This rest would be found ultimately in encountering God. At times, we may be exhausted, but Ezra's story can remind us to dwell and rest in a relationship with God.

God is always working in all times and seasons. And though we may wonder about His purpose in certain circumstances, we can trust that they are always ultimately for His glory and our good, even when that is hard to understand or believe. This is what we'll learn about in this weekend's lesson covering 2 Chronicles 36.

This week, our dbKids will be learning more about God’s creativity in animals and insects, learning how God declares Jesus is King, and what God says our purpose is. Our video covering our Did You Know? lesson will go live Sunday at 8am!