Jonah concluded his prayer by saying, "As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone." (Jonah 2:7-9). As Jonah suffered from the consequences of his rebellion and was on the edge of death, he remembered God. He remembered God as his only hope and salvation, for He was merciful and loving. So, he prayed to God and rededicated himself to God to offer sacrifices and fulfill all his vows. At this point, Jonah stopped running from God. He surrendered his life again to God. He realized that only death could come from running from God. The only way out of his predicament was to return and follow God. The moment Jonah repented in his heart, God commanded the fish and vomited him up on the dry land. (Jonah 2:10).
We need to remember God's goodness, love, and mercy when we lose our ways because of our rebellion. God always accepts those who return to Him with loving arms, for His desire is for everyone to come to repentance. He does not rejoice for those who are suffering because of their sins. God sent Jesus to die on the cross to save those in sin. Let us not think that God hates us and doesn't want anything to do with us when we sin. Let us not allow guilt and shame to lead us away from God, but let us draw near to God and confess our sins, repent from them, and follow God. God's restoration is always available for us. All we have to do is to return our hearts to Him. If we want peace in our hearts and minds, let us return to God. He is the only way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Jonah remembered God and returned to Him when he was at the bottom of his life. Our rebellion against God only leads to despair, sorrow, and death, but living for God gives us life, peace, and joy.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) What is my only way out of my rebellion? Can God accepts me back when I pray to Him? What happens when I return to Him?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for never rejecting me when I pray to you. You are always there to restore me from my rebellion. Please guard me from rebelling against you, for there is no life apart from you. Thank you for your mercy, love, and grace. In your name Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.