Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
John 16:20
“Why?”
The constant refrain in households around the world.
“Eat your vegetables,” says the caring mother.
“But why?” says the toddler.
“Time to go to school,” says the loving father.
“Why?!” says the rebellious teen.
“Time to do the dishes,” says the hard-working wife.
“But why?” says the annoying husband.
We all ask the question “why?” But on a serious note, our Lord encourages us to ask that very question in times of mourning. Jeremiah does. In distress and despair, he asks “why?”
"Why are you like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who only stays at night?" - Jeremiah 14:8
"Why have you afflicted us so that we cannot be healed?" - Jeremiah 14:19
"Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?"
- Jeremiah 15:18
You might be asking similar questions ...
Why am I sick? Why did he leave me? Why can't I get rest? Why do I feel like God doesn't hear me?" Asking "why?" is okay; it is called a 'lament.' Jeremiah laments and so can we. But Jeremiah does something else, Jeremiah tells God who he is (as if God needs telling). Then Jeremiah reminds himself who God is and what he does.
We acknowledge our wickedness, Lord, and the guilt of our ancestors; we have indeed sinned against you. For the sake of your name do not despise us; do not dishonor your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us and do not break it. Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.
- Jeremiah 14: 19-22
When difficult times come our way, let us do what Jeremiah does and lament, and ask “why?” Let us also proclaim what God has done in the past, what he is doing in the present, and what he will do in the future and we will remember something priceless, God's goodness prevails over all sufferings, pain, and grief.
See you Sunday I can’t wait!
Pastor Austin
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