Jeremiah asks for restoration

LAMENTATIONS   CHAPTER 5

In this the last chapter of Lamentations, Jeremiah asks the Lord to see all the sorrows born by the people. Their inheritances had been turned over to strangers and their homes to foreigners. Their mothers were widowed and they were forced to pay for water and firewood. Slaves are now their masters and there is no one to rescue them. Enemies rape the women and young girls in Jerusalem and other towns in Judah, while old men are treated with contempt and young men are made to work at millstones.

Jeremiah says that the joy of their hearts ended and dancing turned to mourning. Disaster fell upon them because of sin. And their hearts are now sick and weary and eyes dimmed by tears. Jerusalem is empty and desolate and haunted by jackals.

He asks the Lord why he (the Lord) remains the same forever. The Lord's throne continues from generation to generation. He asks why the Lord continues to forget the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He asks why the Lord had forsaken them for so long. He asks the Lord to restore them and give them back the joys they once had.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? During a time of grief, believers should turn to God in prayer. Jeremiah has done that, but he wonders if God has rejected his people. But he knows deep in his heart that God would not stay angry with the people forever.

Though God turned away from the people because of their sin, he did not abandon them. Despite their sinful past, God would restore them if they returned to him. Did you get that last part of the sentence? IF THEY RETURNED TO HIM!

In our world today, we are often quick to run from God when our lives are filled with disasters or troubles. I am guilty of that as well. It is so easy to just turn away and try to solve the problems some other way. But  it is the wrong thing to do. Run TO God and let him solve your problems. Let him heal you inside and out. Let him give you the peace you need.  He alone gives us HOPE. Only through the Lord can we be returned to him. In our grief we must turn to him.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:


HEALTH:

Pray for my grandson, new baby Gunar who was born with kidney problems.

Pray for Gabe.

Pray for Gary and Steve my insurance men who have prostate cancer.

Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.

Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer and who recently underwent major surgery.

Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with a form of MS.

Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.

Pray for Gary Summers, my friend from church, who has cancer.

Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who has been undergoing chemo. Pray also for Charly who longs to be 100 percent again and walk without an aid.

Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.

SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary

RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John

LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian

SUPPORT: Pray for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom. Pray for our farmers and those who raise livestock during this terrible drought. Pray for us consumers who will face higher grocery prices and the poor who won’t be able to adjust what little budget they have.