I ADONAI [the LORD] search the heart,
    I try the mind,
    to give every man according to his ways,
        according to the fruit of his deeds. Jeremiah 17:10, TLV

Searches the heart.  Jeremiah’s chapter 17 is a bit disconcerting. Judah isn’t faring well behavior wise. Between what the LORD is conveying to Jeremiah, and what Jeremiah observes himself, Judah’s sins — at least with this generation — are indelible.

Judah’s sin is written with an iron pen
        and with a point of a diamond,
    engraved on the tablet of their heart
        and on the horns of your altars. (vs. 1, TLV)

An iron pen? With the point of a diamond? That’s deeply engraved. Fortunately, there is always a believing remnant in Israel — at that time and throughout history until today.

For thus says ADONAI: “Sing aloud with joy for Jacob! Shout with the chief of the nations! Proclaim, give praise, and say: ‘ADONAI, save your people, the remnant of Israel!’ (Jeremiah 31:6, TLV)

What does that mean for us today? There will always be a believing remnant on this earth. No matter how bad it gets — even book of Revelation bad — our Father will preserve a remnant of His redeemed children.

Oy!

Sometimes we may feel like Elijah that we’re the only ones fighting the good fight. Perhaps we’re weary (1 Kings 19), but know this, there are more people than we know who have not bowed down in worship to “baal.” (1 Kings 19:18) They, too, are with us fighting to stay on the narrow way. What is deeply engraved on our hearts is the word of GOD. He searched this planet and knows each heart.

Today, let’s remember those brothers and sisters around the world who are also weary. Who protect their engraved hearts from the sins of the world, like us. Let’s pray for GOD’s strength for them, too. To be renewed this day. Because, we’re all in this together.