Jeremiah Chapter 4
I’m Blaming You, God.
The people of Judah are living in sin and God keeps telling them to repent or he will bring his wrath upon them by sending armies of disaster from the North upon them. And when he does, the people will say, “God, you completely deceived your people because you promised them peace. But look, they are at war.”
God will respond by saying, “Your own conduct and actions have brought this upon you. Repent, then you will be saved.”
When trouble comes upon us, why are we quick to blame God? “God, you deceived me because you didn’t bring the outcome I wanted for my life.” “You didn’t answer my prayer the way I expected you to.”
Why are we quick to blame God? Why do I whine and complain when life gets really hard? I should learn to put my big boy pants on and humbly go before the Lord and say,
1. Lord, I don’t know what you’re up to, but if sin is in my life, then show me my sin and help me repent. Or
2. Lord, if you are allowing me to “go through the fire” as a test to see if I will be faithful regardless of my circumstances, then help me be faithful. Or
3. Lord, if I’m going “through the fire” because you want to strengthen me and help me grow in my faith, then help me persevere and not give up. Even help me be thankful during the fire as a way of acknowledging I trust you and you are in control.
Help me not whine and complain like I often do.
