“I called on your name, 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.’ ” (Lamentations 3:55-57, NIV).
“The Babylonians, led by King Nebuchadnezzar II, captured the Israelites during the Babylonian Captivity, which was a period of exile for the Jewish people into Babylon.”
“This event marked the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and a forced relocation of many Jews, including prophet Jeremiah, to Babylon as a consequence of their rebellion and idolatry.”
“…we are weary and find no rest.” (Lamentations 5:5).
Jeremiah, known as the Weeping Prophet, lamented in his prayer asking for God to extend mercy and redeem them from their Babylonian captivity.
God’s Promise: “This is what the LORD says: ‘You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:10, NLT).
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we agree to follow God’s thoughts and plans for our lives. The Christian Believer’s life is not our own. We have dedicated ourselves to be followers of Jesus Christ, our Shepherd.
“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14). Jesus clarifies that obedience is required to be His follower, to have a relationship with Him, and to receive God’s abundant blessings.
Learning God’s Plans: We remain in right standing with God when we consecrate ourselves through daily prayer asking God to reveal His will for the given day. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Holy Scriptures and our thoughts.
“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:26, ESV).
One of the most discouraging times in our lives is when we must suffer consequences for following our thoughts and making decisions outside of God’s plans. Willful disobedience always bring consequences.
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
Clarification: The consequences of willful disobedience differ from suffering trials and hardships.
We experience trials and hardships for spiritual growth and the transformation of our characters. God places limits on the severity of trials and hardships, it would serve no godly purpose for us to be crushed and feel hopeless.
But consequences from disobedience have no boundaries! Following our misguided desires results in making decisions outside of God’s Perfect Will, which equates to intentional self-harm.
Sin Separates us from God: When believers fail to seek God, we may enjoy the benefits of our decisions, but spiritual consequences happen immediately, disobedience separates us from God.
Following our thoughts and desires desensitizes us to the magnitude of our rebellion against God; we can no longer perceive life through spiritual eyes.
The Holy Spirit cannot dwell inside of a believer who is filled with rebellion. Because God loves us, He does not prevent the devastating consequences of our decisions.
Suffering tangible consequences always produces feelings of regret, yet do not focus on how you feel, with surrender and humility, redirect your focus and faith to run to God with a Prayer of Repentance.
God Reveals His Love: “‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 1:3b).
God is Omniscient, and knows every sin that we will commit against Him, still, our Loving Father never abandons us. He loves us, even in our state of disobedience, but we must repent for our rebellion against God.
David’s Prayer of Repentance: Psalm 51:1-4
“Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin…”
3 “For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight.”
Do Not Embrace Guilt! King David is our ultimate example of committing sins based on desire, repenting, and moving forward in his life.
Emmanuel: God With Us
“This name is more than a personal name; it’s a declaration of God’s covenant presence. It symbolizes God’s closeness and reassurance, a powerful statement of His enduring connection to His people throughout all stages of their spiritual life.”
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3, Amplified Bible).
Through personal worship of daily Prayer and Bible Study, we choose to stay close to God who promises to give us the spiritual strength to persevere through every trial, hardship, and even the harsh consequences. Yes and Amen!
Lord God, we are extremely grateful for Your abundant love, forgiveness, and steadfast faithfulness, even when we choose to rebel against You. We repent of our sins and ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Lord, we seek Your guidance and Perfect Will and Plans for our lives. We love You, and ask this prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.
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