A number of us are experiencing tough times at the moment, for a variety of reasons. Some of it shared, some of it more individual. It so happens that in our readings in the bible, we are reading of some of the darkest times in the journey of the people of God - rebellion, destruction, exile, weeping and loss. Life can be pretty hard to take.
One of the realities of these times is that the same event can either be reason to turn against God, or to go to him in all our mixed emotions of anger, grief, sadness, failure, disappointment and disillusionment - (delete as appropriate!). We want to run to him, not from him, just as we are.
We have read the words of Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations, writing in the middle of all that was going on for the people of God, and saying this:
One of the realities of these times is that the same event can either be reason to turn against God, or to go to him in all our mixed emotions of anger, grief, sadness, failure, disappointment and disillusionment - (delete as appropriate!). We want to run to him, not from him, just as we are.
We have read the words of Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations, writing in the middle of all that was going on for the people of God, and saying this:
The thought of my suffering and homelessness
is bitter beyond words
I will never forget this awful time
as I grieve over my loss
Yet I still dare to hope
when I remember this:
The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore I will hope in him!"
The Lord is good to those who depend on him
to those who search for him
So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord
Lamentations 3 v19-26 NLT
Let's pray for soft hearts, and openness to God - let the forgiveness and love of Jesus Christ flood in, and the comfort that comes as the Spirit lives in us.
Here's some of the prayer response suggestions from last Sunday:
- Thank God that he is the One who can bring hope, even in the times when it feels like there is no remedy.
- Ask God to speak to your heart as you read the words of the prophets. If there are areas of resistance or rebellion, invite the conviction of God's Word to cut through them and open your heart to repentance.
- Ezekiel expresses God's desire for the nations to know that he is the Sovereign Lord. Ask God to use your life as a signpost to declare his might, presence, love and sovereignty.
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