Today’s Scripture: Lamentations 1-5
Things to remember in today’s reading:
- “How lonely sits the city,” begins the book of Lamentations, as it describes the devastation of Jerusalem and her calls for help. The reason for this devastation is clearly stated, “The Lord has afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions.” (1:1-22)
- The effects of God’s punishment are described, counsel is given to cry out to God and Jerusalem is depicted as responding by asserting God’s lack of pity (2:1-22).
- “I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath,” begins the writer (whom many consider to be Jeremiah) who has encountered suffering and experiencd God’s faithfulness. He expresses confidence in God’s continuing concern (3:1-66).
- “How the gold has grown dim, how the pure gold has changed!” Thus begins this chapter as further description is made of the conditions in Jerusalem, as the result of Babylon’s siege of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. (4:1-22).
- “Remember O Lord, what has befallen us! Look and see our disgrace!” Thus begins the final chapter, a pleas for a restored relationship with God (5:1-22).
Things God is teaching me in today’s reading:
- If we “take no thought of our future” (1:9), we place our children in jeopardy to be taken away “captives before the foe” (1:5).
- God removes His protection, leadership, revelation, and direction from a nation when it ceases to recognize Him (2:9, 14)
- When “I have forgotten what happiness is” (3:17), I will “call to mind … the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end (3:21-22).
- Every morning is a new opportunity to experience the grace and mercy of God (3:23).
- God has seen the wrongs done to His people and will repay (3:58-66).
- When spiritual leaders fail to lead, they will be judged accordingly (4:13).
Things to act on in today’s reading:
- I will prepare my children for the future by teaching them not to rebel against God’s word (1:18, 20).
- I will wait quietly for the Lord and hope in Him (3:25-26) in a posture of prayer and expectation.
- I will test and examine my ways and return to the Lord (3:40).
- I will learn from the history of the Bible and NOT repeat the mistakes of the past.
Things to pray about in today’s reading:
- Let me learn to “sit alone in silence” and “put (my) mouth in the dust,” when I must bear the punishment for my sin!
- Let me not be complacent in my service to God!
- Let me renew my faith every morning as I declare, “Great is your Faithfulness, O Lord!”
Thanks for reading with me dear friend. Have a blessed day!!
— Randy Sexton