Dec. 15, 2020
Lamentations 1
LET IT GLOW
What causes your tears? So many things like broken hearts, sorrow over loosing a loved one, rejection, job loss, pain, a terminal illness, financial troubles, addictions, missing family and friends; the list can go on. The thing is, we are not alone in these tearful times, yet we may alone.
What makes a person cry says a lot about that person-whether they are self-centered or God-centered. Jeremiah let the tears flow from a broken heart. He was God's spokesman concerning Judah's future. It wasn't over personal loss or suffering that made him weep, but the people's rejection of their God, the One who made them, loved them, and repeatedly blessed them. They were tears of sympathy and empathy, not selfishness. This servant of God was broken by his care for the people and his nation and his devotion to God. (Life Application Study Bible)
Even though this book is a dirge, a funeral song written for the fallen city of Jerusalem, we can still find joy. so please continue with us through only 5 chapters.
Warren Wiersbe gives us a few lessons about God and His will:
*The Awfulness of God's Judgments (1:1-6)
*The Righteousness of God's Wrath (1:18-22)
*The Tenderness of God's Heart (1:12-16)
Jerusalem was once a rich princess or queen, but suddenly left alone as a widow. Her wealthy and beauty turned to poverty; she was once full, but now empty; her honor turned to disgrace; her joy was replaced with tears; her great victories turned to defeat. Jerusalem lost her joy, wealth, and beauty, but also lost her testimony, Jerusalem turned from loving her God to loving idols.
Why did God allow His people to go into captivity? To teach them to trust Him and obey His Word. God warned Israel not to follow false gods. He even sent prophets to warn them of the consequences. They had to yield to God's chastening hand and trust His mercy. (verse 22) Confession of sin is better than continuous rebellion. Whom the Lord loves He chastens. His love never changes.
Jerusalem is unclean. (verse 17)
The LORD is righteous: for I have rebelled against His commandment. (verse 18)
LET IT GROW
How do we obtain everlasting joy?
Isaiah 35:10 tells us: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
When we have strayed for serving Jesus, from loving Him wholeheartedly, from spending time in prayer and Bible study, we find no joy. But in returning to Him and confessing our sins, we receive a clean heart, which fills us with songs of joy, everlasting joy and gladness. Sure we may have our moments of missing loved ones, but ultimately our sorrow will turned to joy in Jesus.
LET IT GO
Give our problems and trials, our sorrows and hurts to Jesus.
Let Him fill us with everlasting joy.
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