There are only a few things in life that are truly indescribable. Still, today’s chapter comes from an ancient book that depicts, with graphic creativity, grievous loss amid profound confusion while describing indescribable grief…
READ LAMENTATIONS 3 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Now more than 15 years ago, we buried our only son on August 12th and so started a long journey to recovery from indescribable grief. Ironically, on that day my QuieTimes book was set to this very chapter, and I wrote about it in my first book Breadcrumbs in the Storm. But time has passed since then, and the ‘sting of death’ seems to have eased enough to see other things in this chapter.
For example, the ancient prophet Jeremiah mentions God’s ‘rod’ [v1] and it reminded me of King David’s Psalm 23: “…Your rod (of discipline) and Your staff (of guidance) they (both) comfort me…”[a] 
It’s amazing how I seem to want wisdom and guidance from my Shepherd God[b], but I don’t like His rod of discipline that comes with being part of His people: the sheep of His pasture.[c] Today’s chapter shows that it’s actually good for me to ‘bear the yoke’ while I’m young. [v27] It’s good for me to allow our Maker to mould, shape, and discipline me [v28-30] so that I’ll become who I was originally designed to be: made in His image.[d] Why should I complain when I receive the consequences of my sin? [v39] I should instead examine my ways and lift up my heart and hands to my Creator who made me. [v40-41] Why? Because when I call on His Name even from the depths of a pit, the Lord will surely take up my case and redeem my life. [v55,58] Read More? …CLICK on “12 August – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to connect with the Author and finisher of your LIFE story? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[e]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Let me sing for joy to the Lord! I want to shout joyfully to the rock of my salvation. [Psalm 95:1]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
- The World: The Kingdom of Lesotho[f]
- Your Country’s response to needs in the Middle East
- Yourself: Greater understanding of God the Father
- Your concerns for today
Father God, I’ve concerned myself about trivia – things that spring up overnight and die overnight. But You have concern for great cities, animals, and people who cannot tell their right hand from their left. [Jonah 4:10-11]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Please help me, Lord, to demonstrate my love for You by keeping Your commandments. [John 14:15]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
Heal me, Lord, and I’ll be healed; save me and I’ll be saved, for You alone are the One I praise! [Jeremiah 17:14]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[g] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Prayer
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” [1 John 5:14]
[a] Psalm 23:4
[b] Jeremiah 50:6 and Matthew 2:6
[c] Psalm 100:3
[d] Genesis 1:26-27
[e] Matthew 6:5-15
[f] http://www.operationworld.org/country/leso/owtext.html
[g] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31