Good morning,
The gift of peace of mind
Jeremiah learned a wonderful lesson as he went through the collapse of his beloved country and the end of the temple in Jerusalem. As he wrote the book of Lamentations after all the challenges that came for those who survived this awful disaster, he looked away from the smoking remains and looked up to the Eternal God who promised that all these things would happen. When he looked at his God he saw unending faithful love, never ending mercies, great faithfulness that renewed every morning and the hope of an eternal inheritance waiting for God’s family when they finally arrived in their eternal home. (Lam.3:22-24) When we read the entire book we see the pain and challenges he was facing within this reality, but he also knew that,Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.(v.32) The only way that he could possibly see these realities is that in his day he was given the same gift that God promises to us today who are genuine children of God. Jesus told his disciples, "I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27) Only God’s Holy Spirit can give us the ability of seeing beyond the confusion and pain of today, to see clearly what God is doing with eternity in mind.
If we carefully read what Jeremiah faced in his day, we will better understand what he also wrote to his people then and to us today. He asked three very important questions. First, Who can command things to happen without the Lord's permission? v.37 The Bible makes it very clear that everything that is happening on a global and personal level is part of God’s finished plan. God has a good reason for everything that is happening today as well as all that has happened in the thousands of years before we were born. His second question is also important for us today when he asks, Does not the Most High send both calamity and good?v.38 It seems that most Christians have the idea that following God will lead to success without any thought of the sin that they are enjoying on a daily basis. Doesn’t God require that those who love him also must obey him? The third question is, Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins? v.39 It is so easy for us to sin as accusers, complainers, fear driven victims, and blind followers of those who know nothing of our eternal God. Is God wrong in confronting us for our sinful life styles? Dear Lord, help us to see as Jeremiah saw the need for us to, test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the LORD .v.40
Lamentations 3:37 Who can command things to happen without the Lord's permission? 38 Does not the Most High send both calamity and good? 39 Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins? 40 Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the LORD.
Roy Wisner
