RELY ON GOD

by Jeffrey Hagan
(Tacoma, WA)

Jeremiah and Lamentations

Lesson 1: Rely on God not yourself.

Jeremiah 9:23-24, "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Having all the wisdom, might, and money in the world pales in comparison to knowing and understanding God. In all of our self improvement efforts it's easy to lose sight of who God is and who we are in relation to him. We can start thinking too highly of ourselves and begin thinking we can determine our own destiny, define our self worth, and make all of the right decisions. But what God wants, and what we need, is to walk in his ways and live according to his values.

Lesson 2: Rely on God in adversity.

Jeremiah 29:10-11, "This is what the Lord says: 'When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

The exiles were forcibly taken from their home, their land, and their people. They were forced to settle in another country with a different language and different customs. They wanted to return home, go back to Israel, more than anything. However, they were told they would not go home, they would thrive where they were, and to stop longing to return home. But they were also given great assurance.

Lesson 3: Rely on God's promises.

Jeremiah 31:33, "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

All throughout the Old Testament promises are given regarding a change in covenant or a new covenant that changes how God's people relate to him. The new covenant would mean that the law isn't an external list of rules and regulations but the truth engraved on the hearts of his people. In other words, it would be internalized. We now know that this reality is possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Lesson 4: Rely on God's correction.

Lamentations 2:14, "Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; they have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes, but have seen for you oracles that are false and misleading."

We love to hear nice, encouraging words, however, they are not what we always need. Sometimes we need good counsel that includes rebuke and correction. We need to be wise enough to listen to those words and repent. It's very unwise to embrace the good words and ignore correction.

Lesson 5: Rely on repentance.

Jeremiah 3:21-26, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

God's grace and mercy are so great there's always a way back. No argument we give could ever win us back into God's favor, but his mercy and love are always available. When we seek him out, repent, and put our hope in him he is there. When we sincerely repent and desire the ways of the Lord, we can trust in his salvation and be renewed. We serve a faithful God.