PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Lamentations 4-5
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return.” (Lamentations 5:21)
Personally I have not experienced this kind of horrible suffering.
But this kind of suffering is happening all over the world, all the time.
We should not just feel bad when we suffer, we should feel bad for all misery.
For every abuse victim, for every struggling or desperate person.
Salvation is not just about me being forgiven and assured of eternal life.
If we have a trace of humanity in us, we will agonize for others too.
Our hearts will break for the things that break the Lord’s heart.
We will desperately long for God’s kingdom for everyone, not just for ourselves.
Our world needs to be restored, and we need God’s help to restore it.
We read Lamentations not to feel good, but to be challenged and motivated.
As Jesus-followers, our hearts are triggered by misery and suffering.
Like Jesus, we see the sheep wandering without a shepherd, and offer ourselves.
If the only reason I am christian is for myself, I’ve missed the point.
May my heart be activated to seek and pursue restoration from God for all!!!
PRAYER
Lord, if I am only concerned about my own salvation and those I love, then I have yet to be saved from the selfishness of sin. Break my heart for the things that break yours!
“We thought that under his shadow we would live among the nations…Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.” The consequence of Israel’s rejection of their God – led to dire consequences – and while God’s people suffered they wondered if they were rejected forever. We know that was not the case – and I take reassurance in that. My God does have mercy even if my suffering may be long. Lord help me see beyond the present day challenge – seeing how many suffer in this world as a consequence of sin! War, poverty, persecution, pain and grief – Lord help me to help others who suffer to see the picture beyond. You did rescue your people, they were able to re-build and in time you came and paid the sentence of death so that I might live!!