LOOKING IN VAIN
Today's reading: Lamentations
"We looked in vain for our allies to come and save us, but we were looking to nations that could offer no help at all." Lamentations 4:17 NLT
Jeremiah writes the book of Lamentations as his heart's sorrowful response to the fall of Jerusalem.
He lists the terrors this once mighty land endured. He tells of the horrific defeat they were now suffering. He weeps over the choices that led to this prophesied end. His heart aches over the fact that this 'city of God' was now a godless and forsaken land.
And in this single verse, he states the real problem. The issue that led them to the mess they were in...
They looked to the wrong things for help.
They looked into themselves, desiring to live lives that did not focus on the Lord.
They looked to neighboring nations, hoping their military power, their appealing wares and their pocket gods might make them comfortable.
They looked to priests and leaders who were not living out the laws of the Torah, and who were dragging the people down with them.
They looked to people, places and things that could offer no help.
And all the while, God stood ready, willing and able to help them through it all.
What about you?
Where are you looking for salvation? For help? For hope? For guidance? For peace?
If you are not looking to the Lord, you are looking in vain at things that will offer you no help at all.
