Daily Verse Devo - Lamentations 3:37-39

"Who can command things to happen without the Lord’s permission? Does not the Most High send both calamity and good? Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins?"

-Lamentations 3:37-39 (NLT)

In this book, Jeremiah is weeping for the loss of Jerusalem. Because of the people's rebellion, they were taken captive by Babylon.

Jeremiah reminds the people that God is the one who sends good and bad. God is merciful, but that doesn't mean sin is without consequences.

This passage reminds me a lot of Job, when he asked his wife if they should accept only good from God and not bad. Unlike Jerusalem, Job didn't deserve the suffering he went through.

So what is the point of suffering? Why does it happen?

It's ultimately a result of sin. For Jerusalem, it was directly for the wrong she had done after being warned repeatedly not to chase after idols. For Job, it wasn't the result of his sin, but rather the devil's request.

It's evident that we live in a fallen world with wars, death, pain, and where innocent people get hurt. I shared the story a while back about the dog who attacked our bunnies. Bubba was completely innocent. He did nothing to deserve that.

Sin's mark on the world is strong. We're born with a sin nature and see its consequences everywhere.

But in the midst of the suffering, God is there. He may not take away our pain or right all wrongs in the moment, but He's there.

I read once that one negative comment can sink into one's memory deeper than 1,000 positive ones. I think life is the same way. God provides so many blessings, but it's easy to dwell on the suffering.

Trials are inevitable, but I think Lamentations is a reminder to faithfully serve God and also to take the time to thank God for His blessings.

#trials #blessings #sin