Lamentations

By Linda Sweeney

Have you ever thought: "How in the world did THIS happen?" Even though we have seen tragedy played out before our eyes all over the world, in the lives of family and friends, neighbors and co-workers, we still seem to feel that "storms" surely don't happen to US or to ME, but the reality is that they do. It's been said that we are either "in a storm, just coming out of a storm OR heading into one at all times."

For me, I was pretty shocked when I found myself in a storm AND even more so when I realized that once the storm passed, there would be others. I guess I believed if we had to deal with hard times, it would only be once. I know...where did I get that? I think it's called "wishful thinking." It's particularly difficult, I think, when there have been warnings that we've ignored because we didn't think they were meant for us. Looking back, we realize they were!

This is what happened in Judah and particularly in Jerusalem. God spoke through His chosen prophets because He loved His people, BUT He had done this many times and in many ways. Still, they chose to think "surely this doesn't mean us!" No matter how bleak the warnings looked and how sternly God illustrated them through locust invasions and other graphic visuals, the people refused to turn back to Him or repent from their disobedience. They always thought they knew best or more than their creator. Somewhat like many of us today.

Lamentations is really a book of mourning, because God's wrath had fallen on his disobedient people and His warnings finally turned into reality. Jerusalem was destroyed, the inhabitants were starving, the unthinkable was taking place, and there seemed to be not even a glimmer of hope. The city was under siege and God's prophecy was fulfilled.

The book of Lamentations is really like attending the funeral of a nation. How did this happen? How could God allow it? Where was He anyway? How could a loving God watch the destruction and suffering of His people, His land and His holy city?   There are consequences for our disobedience, and we have definitely been warned. Today, the warning comes from God's Word and from pastors, and teachers who proclaim it as truth.

Even in the difficult book of Lamentations there is HOPE. I don't know about you, but I definitely need to see hope in the midst of my trials. The words in Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaim God's constant love and care. "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Sound familiar? It is from this verse that the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness" was written. We KNOW that God is faithful even when we are not. This is surely a great verse of hope for the New Year! IF you are in a storm or a time of suffering, know that He's always ready to hear our cries and restore us to a life of joy and usefulness in His kingdom on this earth. When you pray, ask yourself:

• What warnings has God sent my way that I have ignored? Confess them.

• How might God be using my current situation to get my attention? Am I listening, learning?

• How have I seen His faithfulness in my life? Make a list...as long as possible. Thank Him for this, and after you recall His past deliverances, ask Him to do it again.

• Think of someone you could comfort and encourage with you testimony and faithfully do it!

May 2015 be a year of God's faithfulness in your life as you respond to His love and His leading, even if you are in the midst of a storm. May God's AMAZING love flow over you and onto others this year!!

Parenting

by Michele Helms