He pursues us

My soul gave up all hope, but then I remembered the Lord. I prayed to you, and you heard my prayers in your holy Temple. “Some people worship useless idols, but those statues never help them. I will give sacrifices to you, and I will praise and thank you. I will make special promises to you, and I will do what I promise.” Salvation only comes from the Lord! (Jonah 2:7-9)

We might think there is no hope in our current situation, but God isn't afraid of the darkness, nor is he one to abandon his children. He gives us all the 'space' we require in order to come to the end of our 'selfishness' and 'rebellion', but he doesn't leave us there forever. When we call upon him, he hears - because he has never left us!

Jonah realized the God he served wasn't just some useless idol, but the One True God. His covenant with those whom he loves is forever. Most importantly, he realizes salvation comes no other way. Salvation is more than the deliverance from the penalty of sin that we find in relationship with Jesus. It also carries the meaning of the act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, or destruction.

Jonah was counting on God to help him avoid harm - although things looked very bleak at the moment for him. Those who have a relationship with God may find themselves in places they don't want to be because of some compromise or rebellion in their lives, but it doesn't mean the relationship is abandoned. We can seek God's help - but as we explored earlier, it doesn't always mean we avoid the consequences of our rebellion. It does mean he is capable and willing to help us get on the right path again!

God doesn't look for our promises - he looks for us to act on them. Jonah made a promise and committed to do as he promised. When we engage with God in the things he asks us to do, we can be assured he will help us fulfill those promises we have made. He enables us to live out our right choices - but he pursues us with love and grace when we don't always follow the right path. Just saying!