Day 12 - God's Goodness Is Greater Than Our Suffering
- Pastor b.Side
- May 11
- 3 min read
Who [is] he [who] speaks and it comes to pass, [when] the Lord has not commanded [it]? [Is it] not from the mouth of the Most High that woe and well-being proceed? - Lamentations 3:37-38
Many people make promises and guarantees. Most of the time, those words fall short. Many believe that speaking into the universe will bring about positive or negative results in life, as if our words possess the power to direct outcomes. None of this is true. How many have made declarations without seeing results? Our words lack the ability to produce fruitful outcomes for this life, much less for eternity. God is the source of good and bad circumstances.
When Jeremiah wrote the Book of Lamentations, Israel was being punished for its sins. They suffered greatly because God said they would. They refused to heed His warnings about their sins, prompting God to use the Babylonian Empire as His rod of correction. The Babylonians orchestrated three sieges over many years, inflicting immense suffering on the people. In 586 BC, the Babylonians completely destroyed the Southern Kingdom of Judah, the city of Jerusalem, and the temple. Many were displaced and killed, just as God had warned.
“Who [is] he [who] speaks and it comes to pass…”
Jeremiah was the prophet chosen by God during that time. He confronted the kings and leaders of Judah who tried to downplay God’s promise of judgment. Jeremiah suffered immensely! It didn’t matter that he was a prophet of God, that he proclaimed the truth about judgments and blessings, or hated suffering. Jeremiah was miserable, and his words couldn’t alter God’s plans. Jeremiah cried out to God relentlessly, yet it felt as though God was ignoring him. God didn’t actually ignore him, but that was how he felt, proving that unless God commands it, it doesn’t happen- for better or worse- even for those who faithfully serve Him.
“My Servant shall deal prudently…”
Jeremiah was the prophet chosen by God during that time. He confronted the kings and leaders of Judah who tried to downplay God’s promise of judgment. Jeremiah suffered immensely! It didn’t matter that he was a prophet of God, that he proclaimed the truth about judgments and blessings, or hated suffering. Jeremiah was miserable, and his words couldn’t alter God’s plans. Jeremiah cried out to God relentlessly, yet it felt as though God was ignoring him. God didn’t actually ignore him, but that was how he felt, proving that unless God commands it, it doesn’t happen- for better or worse- even for those who faithfully serve Him.
How did Jeremiah endure it all? He remembered that God is the transcendent LORD of goodness and mercy. His suffering demonstrated that God is righteous in judging sin, yet the prophecies he received reminded him of God’s mercy as well. God would not judge Israel to the extent they deserved. Despite the severity of the situation, God showed restraint. It could have been worse! Since God is supremely exalted, who can prevent Him from being merciful?
“[Is it] not from the mouth of the Most High that…”
God spoke woes against Israel, and they occurred just as He said, despite the doubts and lies. God promised to preserve His people and restore them, and He has, regardless of the opposition His people have faced. Is there anyone else whose words carry such authority, who directs all the courses of human life? This shows that God is supremely exalted. Thankfully, even though God’s people are called to suffer for a time, He has also declared that they will be saved from sin, death, and hell, ultimately blessed in His presence with eternal life and pleasure forevermore. If God said it, who can undo it? This is why He is so good!
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, thank You for Your truth. It’s difficult to accept that our words and ambitions cannot direct the course of our lives. Only You can. We are grateful to know that You are merciful and good to Your people, despite the challenges we may have to endure. Help us to persevere with the hope You provided for Jeremiah, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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