Daily Devotional for December 3, 2015
Lamentations 1
Scripture:
20 “See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am in torment within, and in my heart I am disturbed, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is only death. 21 “People have heard my groaning, but there is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my distress; they rejoice at what you have done. May you bring the day you have announced so they may become like me. 22 “Let all their wickedness come before you; deal with them as you have dealt with me because of all my sins. My groans are many and my heart is faint.”
Observation:
I can relate to Jeremiah’s response in this verse. When things are not going well for me, I think God should pick up my offense and come to my rescue. At times, we feel like judgment should be delivered to those who, in our mind, “deserve” it. It’s easy for my heart to scream, “That’s not fair!” The Fire Bible study notes provide some sobering insight to our response to the desire to call down judgment.
“…we must keep in mind that it is God’s place to actually implement his judgment. Until he does so, we must continue to reach out with compassion to those who have not yet accepted his message of truth and who still lack a personal relationship with Jesus Christ” (notes on Lamentations 1:22).
As Spirit-empowered men, our response should be grounded in proclaiming the message of the Cross. As a representative of the Lord, this mission remains constant.
Additionally, let’s not forget that we grow through the trials of life. Too often we process our lives through a lens of fairness. Life is usually not fair, nor is everyone’s experience going to be the same. We are responsible for becoming who God called us to be and doing what God called us to. We are not meant to compare ourselves to others or to evaluate fairness in life. I encourage you, as Spirit-empowered men, to be proud of how God made you. Honor Him with every action, word, and thought.
Application:
- Personal Application: Embrace the call God has placed on your life and celebrate the uniqueness in which you are made. God has designed you for a purpose. Don’t let the distractions of comparison take you away from that purpose.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Ask them if they have ever felt life has been unfair to them. Discuss those situations and encourage them not to compare themselves to others but to be the best “you” that they can be. Remind them to “store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21) by continuing to do what is right. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the assurance and confidence to be exactly who He made us to be. Ask God for protection from the trap of comparison.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that God will confirm in your family’s heart the gifts He has given them and the mission He has called them to.
Three-Year Reading Plan for Sunday, November 29 – Sunday, December 6:
- Sunday, November 29: Jeremiah 49
- Monday, November 30: Jeremiah 50
- Tuesday, December 1: Jeremiah 51
- Wednesday, December 2: Jeremiah 52
- Thursday, December 3: Lamentations 1
- Friday, December 4: Lamentations 2
- Saturday, December 5: Lamentations 3
- Sunday, December 6: Lamentations 4
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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