September 5, 2010
Lamentations 3:19 – 24
The prophet Jeremiah laments his situation to God. In verse 1, he says that he has seen affliction. His situation has affected him physically and emotionally. Verses 1-20 describe how Jeremiah feels. He feels like he is in a dark place. When he thinks about it, his “ soul is downcast within him” (v20). He is depressed. But then he calls to mind the faithfulness of God.
We can remember the different ages and stages of our lives. We also remember the difficult or painful experiences in our lives. Sin has had an impact on our lives. Even when we have done everything right, because we live in a sinful world. It seems that our path is blocked. Sometimes things happen that are unfair.
But God calls us to consciously remember and because of this we can have hope. Remembrance can bring pain but it can also bring hope. The fact that I can remember is a good thing.
What are we called to remember?
- The Lord’s Great Love. God is Love. God is a God of Love, “because of His great love, we are not consumed” (v22). We experience mercy, forgiveness, and grace because of His love.
- His Compassion never fails v.22
God’ s Love and Compassion are new every morning (v23). So we can say “Lord I thank you and I am looking forward to something fresh, something new” - Everyday something new.
The faithlessness of people seems to overshadow the light of God.
- Since God is light we can decide to make Him our portion (v24)
- Since He is faithful we can decide to wait for him (v24)
- Since He Is faithful we can hope in Him. “ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him” (v25)
We can remember the stuff in the past but we don’t have to let it control us. We can pray, Lord renew me, refresh me- give me a new perspective. To be revived is to be renewed, refreshed. It is to have a New Focus, a Refreshed Focus. To be revived is to look forward to spiritual growth. A Fresh Outlook.
Pastor Pete
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