Notes
A lot of what God will do depends on what we are willing to do. The Bible tells the story of a flawed people following a perfect God. Don’t feel like you have to lie or put on a show; God wants us to be real with Him. Humanity is messy, and God redeems, reconciles, and equips us - when we’re honest and truly coming to Him for answers.
Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? You have planted them, and they have taken root and prospered. Your name is on their lips, but you are far from their hearts. But as for me, Lord, you know my heart. You see me and test my thoughts. Drag these people away like sheep to be butchered! Set them aside to be slaughtered! 4How long must this land mourn? Even the grass in the fields has withered. The wild animals and birds have disappeared because of the evil in the land. For the people have said, “The Lord doesn’t see what’s ahead for us!”
Jeremiah 12:1-4
The Israelties had been conquered by the Babylonians, and Jeremiah was voicing his frustrations to God. Like Jeremiah, we sometimes look at our world and ask God, “Why?” But it’s when we are at this point of honesty and realness that God can respond:
“If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?”
Jeremiah 12:5
God is telling Jeremiah that he was created to stand up against this evil, that Jeremiah would need God’s help to persevere. Someone needed to lead the people and point them to God. Sometimes, our own pride is what gets in the way of God working in us, because it’s keeping our hearts from fullying opening up to Him.
“I long for the years gone by when God took care of me, when he lit up the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness. When I was in my prime, God’s friendship was felt in my home. The Almighty was still with me, and my children were around me. My steps were awash in cream, and the rocks gushed olive oil for me. Those were the days when I went to the city gate and took my place among the honored leaders. The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming. The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths. The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect…
“Everyone listened to my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak. And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them. They longed for me to speak as people long for rain. They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain. When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them. Like a chief, I told them what to do. I lived like a king among his troops and comforted those who mourned.
Job 29:2-10, 21-25
When struggles come, we discover things about ourselves that we never would have known before. It’s in our struggles that our hearts are truly revealed. Job’s heart revealed that he was full of himself.
Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line?”
Job 38:1-5
Then the Lord said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”
Then Job replied to the Lord, “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”
Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: “Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.
Job 40:1-7
Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”
Job 42:1-6
God is not out to destroy us when we struggle; He wants us to repent, which means to turn from our sins and return to the path He laid out for us. Job repented of his self-righteousness and understood who he was as God’s creation.
When there is a frustration keeping you from doing the work God has for you like Jeremiah, tell God. When life circumstances make you feel abandoned, talk to God about it. When there is something you need to confess, repent to God and let Him help you walk on the right path. Any of these struggles get in the way of the work He has for us; be honest with God. Be real with Him, and watch what He will do.
Group Questions
- What stood out to you about Jeremiah’s conversation with God?
- What stood out to you about Job’s conversation with God?
- When have you felt frustrated with God in the way Jeremiah was?
- Is there anything you need to be honest with God about?
Prayer
Thank you for allowing us to come to you as our true selves, with full honesty. Cleanse us of anything keeping us from growing and maturing in our faith.