You lost your job. Your wife is sick. You want to sell your house but there are no takers yet. Your debts are piling up. What can you do when everything starts to fall apart? As we read Lamentations 2 today, we see the devastating consequences of sin and the pain of God’s discipline, but it also invites us to turn to him in our grief.
God’s judgement falls upon Jerusalem and destroys it because of the people’s rebellion. Jeremiah acknowledges the pain, and the sorrow caused by their sin. Lamentations 2 is a heartbreaking cry over the loss of God’s protection and favour. It laments the suffering of God’s people. You do not want to experience “the Lord is like an enemy” (verse 5a).
“The Lord has swallowed up without mercy all the habitations of Jacob; in his wrath, he has broken down the strongholds of the Daughter of Judah.”(verse 2)
Sin has consequences. However, not everything is a consequence of sin. Do not assume everyone’s pain and suffering is due to sin. In good times and bad, we should always pray to God to reveal sins in our lives. Sometimes we are not aware.
What we can be certain is this – when we sin, God disciplines us. He wants us to turn back to him. Do remember that God’s mercy is voluntary. God is sovereign. Do not get used to his mercy and think we are entitled to it.
Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to return to him? How can you seek his mercy during your struggles or consequences?
I invite you to say this prayer.
Father, help me to see where I have strayed from you. In my times of pain and difficulty, guide me back to your mercy and restore me with your grace. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Leave a Reply