Read Lamentations Chapter 5
I Didn’t Realize This Would Happen.
The people of Judah are still suffering from the consequences of their sins. Jeremiah cries out to God because of the state of disgrace they are all in. Much time has elapsed and many, many people are still suffering from their enemies, even the children who committed no sin are suffering. “Joy is gone from their hearts.” Jeremiah feels the Lord has forsaken them and asked to be restored back with him.
As a teen, I remember being at cross country camp and one of the runners messed up his back. After practice, a group of us runners were all joking around and I forgot about Mike’s bad back. I came up behind him, wrapped my arms around his chest and picked him up. He was in great agony and I hurt him pretty bad. He suffered the consequences of my “Stupidity.” I felt horrible and couldn’t say, ” I’m Sorry” enough. He had nothing to do with our shenanigans, but suffered the most. Joy left my heart!
Have you ever made a decision that ended up hurting others who had nothing to do with your choices? I see that in politics and wars, in relationships, even in businesses: people die, unhealed relationships, people lose their jobs, etc.
May we, like Jeremiah, cry out to God daily seeking his guidance and help. He wants to bring joy back into our lives and bring restoration in our hurts and pains, and in our hearts and souls.
