via TJC
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness….Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD! - Lamentations 3:22 & 40
How appropriate that at this time in my journey, I am writing about the Book of Lamentations. Throughout most of Lamentations, Jeremiah laments; expressing grief and sorrow in unimaginable terms. Yet buried within these horrific emotions, he remembers The Lord’s goodness, His steadfast love, and that we ought to rhythmically ‘test and examine our ways, that we would then return to the LORD.’ My early adult years were filled with increase and favor. Great success foisted upon a young man is intoxicating. I felt like King Midas. But had I ‘tested and examined my ways’ I would have found an Emperor with new clothing. The Lord can fix this! Our local church was destroyed, relationships fractured, my employer went out of business, we had a stillborn child, and a great distance began to develop between me and my wife. We had enjoyed 20 years of extraordinary abundance and then, in a moment, a 12+ year decline. This decline continues, as the wife of my youth has filed for divorce. The book of Lamentations spoke TO me…speaks OF me. However, in the midst of dark times, I am reminded of a worship song. “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases.’ I slowly began to remember that He is the LORD in times of joy and sorrow. As I practice the discipline of praising Him regardless of circumstances, my heart and mind clear and I am able to listen. As I maintained a life of worship TO and FOR Him, I am able to ‘test and examine’ my ways. He began to show me the ungodly anger resident within me; an anger that would have never been exposed, had the good times kept rolling. In dark times our sins can be clearly seen and healing can begin.
Daily Battle Order:
Do not waste your time searching for demons under every rock. Instead, today seek your Lord and King since in Him is your repentance and restoration. Thank him for your laments as without lamentation, you are unable to see the need for healing, that you are truly naked. Thank him for always waiting with open arms to welcome you back after recognizing your faults and praise Him for His Justice and Mercy.
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