We have been having a wonderful study of the book of Lamentations with Victoria of Let the Son Shine. During our time together, she has really opened up this passage of scripture with much needed revelation. For me it has been a simple read and reflection of those areas in my own life needing change, as I seek to follow Him and return to the path He has before me. With that, I am reminded of those who have sown so deeply into my life, how those seeds have brought forth much fruit in the time of need, and how their words speak through me as I prepare this message today.
I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.” I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. Lam. 3:17-33 NIV
Sound familiar? Does, all to well, to this sinful heart. One redeemed and so set free… to sin again. Great is His mercy and loving kindness as I fall short. When I am deprived of peace, He is there. When I worry over my finances, He provides. When I count myself worthy, through some unseen label, He calls me “redeemed“. When I remember my sin, He brings me hope. When I fall, yet again, He lifts me up in the morning sun. When I wait in silence, I hear His voice. When I am cast off, He shows me compassion.
Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven, and say: “We have sinned and rebelled and you have not forgiven. Lam. 3:37-42 NIV
When I listen, I learn. When I repent, I am forgiven. When I lift my heart, I lift my hands. When I lift my hands, He reaches me.
They tried to end my life in a pit and threw stones at me; the waters closed over my head, and I thought I was about to be cut off. I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lam. 3:53-58
When thoughts and fear overshadow me, I put on faith. When I cry out to God, He hears me. When He hears me, He calls me “redeemed”.
Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. Lam. 5:15 NIV
When I lose joy, I find His strength. When I find His strength, I RETURN!
Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Is. 51:11 KJV
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