| Well we are starting a new book of the Bible: Lamentations! There are five chapters in this book representing five different songs. They must be read in the context that these are songs written to show their passionate expression of grief and sorrow after the Babylonians destroyed their city and Nation. Lamentations Chapter 1. My life is in shambles! Chapter one expresses these words of lament: * The city lies deserted. * The people literally weep at night. * They find no comfort and no rest. * Their sin has brought their grief. *They are held captive by their enemies. *Their enemies have taken all their treasures. *They're starving from lack of food. *They rebelled against a righteous God with sin. *They're distressed and in torment. *Their groans are many and their heart is faint. Perhaps as we reflect on our own lives, we can think of times when we experienced some of the same emotions. For example: 1) The death of a loved one. *As you enter into their vacant home it seems deserted. *You weep bitterly with the memories. You look for comfort but find none. *Perhaps because of selfish choices you made that hurt your loved one, you feel guilt from sins you committed and regret. *You wish you could change things, but you can't. 2) Your secret addiction was made public. *You become embarrassed. *You weep bitterly. *You were held captive by your sin. *All your treasures and valuables were lost to feed your addiction. *You lost your spouse, or job, or friends. *You rebelled against a righteous God. *Your heart is faint and you feel a sense of hopelessness. How could things ever get better. Lamenting over sin or disasters in life is a natural response to the hurts and pains we experience. With that often comes a strong feeling of hopelessness. The good news is there is always hope. Satan wants us to feel utterly devastated by life so that we wish life was over. But God's love wants to heal us and restore us back in good standing by his grace, mercy, and forgiveness. It doesn't matter what we've done, there's always forgiveness and restoration and hope available. Take comfort in that. What has been your life experiences that have reflected the emotions showed in Lamentations Chapter 1? |
Daily Bible Challenge: Day 798 Lamentations Chapter 1
