September 29
"He has besieged me
and
surrounded me with bitterness and woe."
Lamentations
3:3
In the first many verses in this chapter in Lamentations,
Jeremiah writes at length about the terrible afflictions that have
come upon his people. This was written during the destruction of
Jerusalem when the city was destroyed, multitudes died, and the
survivors were carried off as prisoners to Babylon. He wrote of the
overwhelming suffering and the terrible plight that has overtaken
them ...but he recognizes it as righteous judgment from the
Lord.
Yet...
In spite of the heaviness of the
sufferings he was enduring, he reminds himself that even in judgment
God is merciful.
vs 22:
"Through
the Lord's mercies we are not consumed,
because
his compassions fail not."
vs 26:
"It
is good that one should hope and wait quietly
for
the salvation of the Lord."
When chastening comes upon
us, it can truly be overwhelming. The suffering can be so great that
it crushes the soul.
"For the time has come for judgment
to begin at the house of God; "
1
Peter 4:17
So what is one to do in such circumstances?
The
first thing to do is to acknowledge one's sin. It's to be a time of
deep humility and confession, holding nothing back. It's a time to
submit to the chastening of God, to acknowledge that his judgment is
righteous, and repent.
"My son, do not despise the
chastening of the Lord,
nor be
discouraged when you are rebuked by him,
for
whom the Lord loves he chastens,
and
scourges every son whom he receives.”
Hebrews
12:5-6
Keep in mind that times of chastening will have an end,
it won't last forever. Truly his compassions fail not, truly they are
new every morning.
"Great is his faithfulness."
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