Lamentations 5:21 ESV
Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored!
Renew our days as of old—
This chapter is an expression of grief, despair and confession. Jeremiah not only expresses his grief at the conditions of his people, he also acknowledges that they are in this condition because of their sin and the sins of their fathers. The verse above is right at the heart of the matter. He writes, "Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored!"
Too often when we are in dire straits we cry out, "Restore us." But that misses the point. Jeremiah knows that there is no restoration until there is first restoration to God. Restoration from God depends on restoration to him first. Blessing from God depends first on relationship with him. Israel is experiencing God's discipline in this chapter precisely because they have moved away from relationship with him.
Father, forgive me for the many times I have been more interested in my own comfort than in you. Forgive me for crying out for relief but rarely crying out to know you more. Today, whatever comes, may I seek you with all my heart. You promised that if we seek you, we will find you.
By His grace,
Rick Weinert
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