by Adam Johnson
"I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, 'Do not close your ear to my cry for help!' You came near when I called on you; you said, 'Do not fear!' Lamentations 3:55-57
Everyone has times of discouragement, fear, and frustration. Jeremiah found himself at the lowest point of his life - his people rejected him, his homeland destroyed, and he saw no end to God's just punishment. The only thing he had left in this world was his relationship with God. He took that sole Resource and used it because he knew that it was reliable when his entire world was falling apart.
These verses show us several principles that we see in the New Testament - principles He uses to comfort us in our tribulations. In this world we will suffer setbacks, persecution, and failures; but He promises to never leave us or forsake us even in our chastisement for our sins. He will hear all of our pleas and cries because we are His children through the blood of His Son, Jesus. The relationship that we receive with God through Christ allows Him to give us encouragement repeatedly when He says, "Do not fear!" Fear is the sin that robs us of joy, our relationship with God, and stability in our trials. We know that He hears us in our desperate times, and we can focus on His nearness as we call to Him for our refuge and strength.
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. James 4:8a
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