Jeremiah offers hope

LAMENTATIONS    CHAPTER 3

Jeremiah states that he is one who saw the afflictions that came from the rod of the Lord's anger. God turned against him, and day and night his hand was heavy upon Jeremiah. He made Jeremiah's flesh grow old, broke his bones, surrounded him with distress and buried him in a dark place. He shot his arrow into Jeremiah's heart and his own people laugh at him and sing mocking songs. He filled Jeremiah with bitterness and sorrow. And thought his suffering was bitter beyond words, he would never forget this awful time. Yet he still dared to hope when he remembered this: that the unfailing love of the Lord never ends. Great is his faithfulness for his mercies begin afresh each day.

Jeremiah said the Lord's mercies had been kept from complete destruction and he was good to those who waited and sought him out. So it was good to wait quietly for salvation and good for the young to submit to the yoke of his discipline.So let them lie face down in the dust and turn the other cheek to those who strike them For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion.

The leaders of his people trampled prisoners underfoot and deprived them of God-given rights in defiance of the Most High. They perverted justice in the courts. Did they think the Lord didn't see? Let us test and examine our ways and turn again in repentance to him. Lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven and tell him we have sinned and you have not forgiven us.  Jeremiah said his tears flow endlessly and would not stop until the Lord looked down and sees. He called the name of the Lord from within the well and God heard him.

Jeremiah pleads God to try his case like a lawyer. To be judge and prove him right. He urges God to pay back his enemies for the evil they had done.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: To submit to the yoke in verse 27-33 means we should be willingly under God's discipline and learn what he wants to teach. Several factors must be involved: 1. silent reflection on what God wants. 2. repentant humility 3. self control in the face of adversity and 4. confident patience, depending on the divine Teacher to bring about loving lessons on our life.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? In this chapter, Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern and left to die. But God rescued him and Jeremiah used this experience as a picture of a nation sinking into sin. If they turned to God, they would be rescued. Does this picture show us what is happening in our world today? Certainly we are sinking in the mire of sin, but God can rescue us and turn us around. Pray that more and more people recognize the power of God.

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.