Country Road Faith

O. T. #1841 "What is Wonderful in Your Life?"

Dec. 16, 2020

Lamentations 2

LET IT GLOW

What is wonderful in your life right now? On Sunday something wonderful happened. We received several inches of snow. Now that may be not an unusual occurrence to you because of where you live, but it is for me. It has been about 8 years for us to get so much. Oh we have had a spit of snow that melted the same day it came, but nothing like this lately. When I was a kid, we had snow every winter. The trees are white with snow, the ground hidden beneath, the air is crisp and cold. What a beautiful scenery to behold! Thank You Jesus for sending it our way. How wonderful are Your deeds and blessings!

So encouragement came to me as I read Billy Graham's devotional, Wisdom For Each Day, and thought it was so good that I must share it:

My dictionary defines wonderful as anything that is so unusual or magnificent that it causes wonder and amazement. Jesus was wonderful in His life. He mingled with sinners, yet His enemies could find not one single flaw in His character. His miracles and His teaching both testified to His divine authority. Christ was also wonderful in His death. He died for others just as He had lived for others: To make our salvation possible. and this death led to the wonderful, glorious Resurrection, opening for us the door to Heaven and eternal life. Jesus is wonderful indeed!

He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.    (Isaiah 9:6) 

Well, after reading chapter 2, I think we all could use some wonderful news.

Wonderful refers to remarkable: secret in the Hebrew language.

Isn't Jesus the most wonderful thing that has happened us you and me! Truly He is remarkable!

 

LET IT GROW

Shall we dig into this chapter? There are about 40 descriptions of divine judgment affecting every aspect of Jewish life, but are not going to get into them. No, I found a good study guide, "The Lamentations of Jeremiah" by Charles Swindoll. He points out 5 consequences of disobedience of God's child when they go their own way, as Judah did:

• Diminishing of one's dignity and unique impact. God destroyed the homes and strongholds of this once beautiful city, and profaned the kingdom and princes. (verses 1-2) The sins of her people have brought her shame and have removed her godly influence from among the nations.
• Removal of one's stability and vitality. God allowed Judah's enemies to be His instrument of judgment. (verse 3) His wrath consumed the Jews like fire. (verse 4) He tore Judah's foundation out from under her.
• Multiplication of inner anguish. The Lord and Protector became their enemy. (verse 5) (He destroyed their Tabernacle, wall, and the law.)
• Feelings of abandonment and emptiness.(verses 6-8) God destroyed His appointed meeting place; feasts and the Sabbath  were no longer celebrated; the kings and priests had no place to serve; their palaces and walls were gone.
• Heartbreaking absence of vision and purposes. (verses 9-10) The prophets had no visions; the elders had no purpose, but mourned.

 Soul Searching Questions: Has your lifestyle, or others in your circle, marred your integrity? Is our life different from non-Christians? Do we stick with our decisions? Has your character lost its charm? Are we compromising with sin? Are our loved ones suffering because of our failure to walk with God? Has sin begun to destroy our happiness, vitality, and spirituality? Are we praying less, attending church services sporadically, experiencing empty worship? Have you lost your godly perspective and sense of purpose for living?  Is God taking you to the woodshed?

God's grace, mercy, and faithfulness has not changed, dear one. When we are disciplined by Him, it is because He loves us and wants us to do right.

Look at verses 17 and 18. The LORD hath done that which He had devised; He hath fulfilled His word that He had commanded in the days of old...

...let not the apple of thine eye cease.

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are Wonderful.

You do amazing and remarkable things.

Forgive us when we stray off the path You have for us, wandering into sin.

Keep us under the shadow of Your wing and the apple of Your eye.