Have you ever felt like you could really be honest with God? I mean, when you are frustrated and fear that you haven't been given a fair shake in life, you can really tell God how you feel? I believe there are times when we do need to vent our anger. It may be a bold move for you to move in this direction.
This is what Jeremiah does in our text for this Sunday, which come in the form of a lament. Here are his words in speaking to God:
"In your forbearance do not take me away; know that on your account I suffer insult. Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. I did not sit in the company of merrymakers, nor did I rejoice; under the weight of your hand I sat alone, for you had filled me with with indignation. Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook like waters that fail." Jer. 15:15-18
Jeremiah had delighted in God's word and the task to which he was assigned as a prophet. However, his own people were now turning against him. He felt that God was like a "deceitful brook," having betrayed him. Jeremiah vents his frustration to God!
There are times when I think we do need to pour ourselves out to God. We need to be honest with God and tell God how we really feel. Have we been faithful to God and yet feel that we aren't making headway in our work for God? Taking the time to lament can be healthy for us and keep us in a "connected" state with God.
God assures Jeremiah that he would be like a "fortified wall of bronze." Jer. 15:20 He can still remain strong. We also can have the same assurance that we can stand firm as we do the Lord's work and that it will bear fruit in time.
In preparation for this Sunday, I would invite you to reflect on Jeremiah's words and ask yourself how openly you have been with God about your own feelings of being a Christian. I hope you have experienced the joy that comes with faith in Christ, but if you have had discouraging times, considering telling it to God.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
Are you going through a trying time now where you are frustrated in living as a Christian and need to speak honestly with God?
What from Scripture might assure you of God's continuing presence with you in your life?
This is what Jeremiah does in our text for this Sunday, which come in the form of a lament. Here are his words in speaking to God:
"In your forbearance do not take me away; know that on your account I suffer insult. Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. I did not sit in the company of merrymakers, nor did I rejoice; under the weight of your hand I sat alone, for you had filled me with with indignation. Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook like waters that fail." Jer. 15:15-18
Jeremiah had delighted in God's word and the task to which he was assigned as a prophet. However, his own people were now turning against him. He felt that God was like a "deceitful brook," having betrayed him. Jeremiah vents his frustration to God!
There are times when I think we do need to pour ourselves out to God. We need to be honest with God and tell God how we really feel. Have we been faithful to God and yet feel that we aren't making headway in our work for God? Taking the time to lament can be healthy for us and keep us in a "connected" state with God.
God assures Jeremiah that he would be like a "fortified wall of bronze." Jer. 15:20 He can still remain strong. We also can have the same assurance that we can stand firm as we do the Lord's work and that it will bear fruit in time.
In preparation for this Sunday, I would invite you to reflect on Jeremiah's words and ask yourself how openly you have been with God about your own feelings of being a Christian. I hope you have experienced the joy that comes with faith in Christ, but if you have had discouraging times, considering telling it to God.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
Are you going through a trying time now where you are frustrated in living as a Christian and need to speak honestly with God?
What from Scripture might assure you of God's continuing presence with you in your life?
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