Bent but not Broken

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger. -Lamentations 1:12

   The prophet which most agree is Jeremiah, penned these words as if he was the city of Jerusalem crying out after their great conflict with Babylon. The progression to their end was slow as they observed the Northern Kingdom of Israel surrounded and overtaken by the Assyrians. Israel had their own sins that led to their removal and Judah watched with fear as their brethren were taken from their homes and new rulers were placed throughout Israel. They knew it was a matter of time before they were in the crosshairs.

   It was about 100 years later that Babylon appeared at the borders of Judah. Babylon had conquered Assyria and seemed nearly unstoppable. With very little hope Nebuchadnezzar walked into Judah and destroyed the city of Jerusalem, the Temple and began waves of exiles being transported. This was an awful time for God’s people, but the judgment was the result of their sin. God had sent prophets to turn the heart of the people back to Him but eventually they turned from Him, and the cost was losing their home and enduring 70 years of captivity.

   God is forgiving but God is also just. We can all identify with suffering due to disobedience, I sure can. It’s not the place I want to be. It is necessary though, to help us see there are consequences to our sin and that God loves us but will not withhold judgment on sin because of that love.

The good thing is that regardless of how terrible we mess things up and no matter the consequences of our choices, if we confess our faults, He is swift to forgive and restore the sweet fellowship we need so much. Yes, consequences are there but we are not facing them alone and His forgiveness brings a change that words cannot describe. Even in tragedy of our own making, we are never alone. That is why the prophet later added these words to the discouraged and crushed Hebrews.

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. -Lamentations 3:22-26