215 Great is Thy Faithfulness

Jeremiah sees devastation all around him. Jerusalem, once a great city, has “become a widow. Her friends have become her enemies” (Jer. 1:1-2). She has no rest; her many pursuits could not rescue her in her time of need. The Lord has afflicted her, and her enemies prosper. Seeking her own glory has led her to many transgressions, her beauty has faded, her churches have become corrupt, and her honor has become dishonor (Jer. 1:1-11). The people are amiss in their pursuits. God has withdrawn His presence; He has afflicted Jeremiah in His fierce anger. Jeremiah is in turmoil, for he has become weak and destitute of friends. There is none to comfort him in his distress and bitterness. His enemies are glad for his troubles—they have prevailed. (Jer. 1:12-22). Through tear-filled eyes, overcome with grief and anguish, he looks at his circumstances and sees the temple destroyed and the city crumbling. In his great sorrow, he looks to God and remembers God’s faithfulness. For a moment, Jeremiah sets aside the devastation all around him, setting his gaze on His Lord and God. He finds hope. Though he does not understand the ways of God, he trusts God. He will not fall with those around him. Jeremiah will wait for the Lord; he will seek Him. 

Like Jeremiah, we puzzle over the ways of God when we see trouble and devastation all around us. Let us remember to look up. We find our hope in Jesus, for He alone is faithful. Though we may falter in our pursuit of Him, His outstretched arms are patiently waiting for our return. His stance is firm. He will not change. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, From whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, Which made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1-2). When our heart is right, God will show Himself. Until then; we must wait for Him, patiently enduring trials and afflictions, becoming more faithful to Him, and learning to desire His glory more than our personal comforts.

Are you discouraged by the troubles all around you? If so, remember to look up. Do you feel destitute of friends? Do you feel as though you are losing the battle for your soul? Bow your head; look up to Jesus. There is a Japanese proverb about the rice plant. Its roots must grow down deep into the soil before its head grows up. The Christian, like the rice plant, seeks the Lord in the quiet, unseen solitude as we learn to place our hope in Him. “Morning by morning new mercies I see all I have needed Thy hand hath provided.”