Read Lamentations Chapter 1
I Lament / Mourn Over My Brokenness.
Lamentation depicts the hearts of the people after their sin resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem. Now the people lament or mourn over their devastation.
Hear the words that describe their brokenness. See if you relate to any of them.
Vs 1: They were once a great nation and now they have become slaves.
Vs 2: They feel deserted, even by their friends, with no one to comfort them.
Vs 4: All their spiritual practices have ceased.
Vs 5: Even their children suffer the consequences of their parents disobedience to God.
Vs 8: They are in need of God’s cleansing power.
Vs 11: The luxuries of Life are even gone, such as food.
Vs 14: Their strength is gone. Vs 20: They are distressed and in torment. Vs 22: Their hearts are faint.
I can think of many life experiences that put me in a broken state where I cried out to God. But a few of those experiences were consequences of my disobedient decisions before God (just like Judah). There were moments I regretted what I did, and there were moments that I regretted I got caught because deep down inside I still had a desire for that which enslaved me.
What have you experienced through your lamenting moments? Can you relate with any of the emotions of the people of Judah? God allows us to experience pain and the consequences of our sin in hopes that we will repent and become cleansed and made holy before God. Never forget that God loves you and wants a restored relationship with you.
