August 14, 2011 (Jeremiah 16-17; Psalm 96; John 16)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “But as for me, I have not hurried away from being a shepherd after You, nor have I longed for the woeful day; You Yourself know that the utterance of my lips was in Your presence.” Jeremiah 17:16 NASB
Observation: Jeremiah was surrounded by all sorts of evil acting people. He was burdened by the sins committed by those who had turned away from God. Yet he stood firmly close to God. He did not quit, give up and say “what’s the use in even trying” He didn’t long for the woeful day that God’s judgment would come upon them. He pressed through the pain and stayed in the presence of God.
Application: We can certainly understand how Jeremiah felt in those days. The majority of America has forsaken God and turned to worship idols. Yet those of us who trust in the Lord and who’s trust is the Lord need to stand firm until the very end. We must not hurry away from God and give up on Him. God will rescue us. He will deliver His people from the enemy. God is not a terror to His people, He is our refuge in the day of disaster.
Prayer: Dear Father praise and honor my lips utter to You in Your presence. Let those who persecute me be put to shame, but as for me, let me not be put to shame; let them be dismayed, but let me not be dismayed. Bring on them a day of disaster, and crush them with twofold destruction! Rescue me from the grasp of my enemies so that they will know You are with me and that I am Yours! In Jesus name, Amen.