“He has sent fire from heaven that burns in my bones. He has placed a trap in my path and turned me back. He has left me devastated, racked with sickness all day long. “He wove my sins into ropes to hitch me to a yoke of captivity. The Lord sapped my strength and turned me over to my enemies; I am helpless in their hands. “The Lord has treated my mighty men with contempt. At his command a great army has come to crush my young warriors. The Lord has trampled his beloved city like grapes are trampled in a winepress. “For all these things I weep; tears flow down my cheeks. No one is here to comfort me; any who might encourage me are far away. My children have no future, for the enemy has conquered us.” Jerusalem reaches out for help, but no one comforts her. Regarding his people Israel, the LORD has said, “Let their neighbors be their enemies! Let them be thrown away like a filthy rag!” “The LORD is right,” Jerusalem says, “for I rebelled against him. Listen, people everywhere; look upon my anguish and despair, for my sons and daughters have been taken captive to distant lands. “I begged my allies for help, but they betrayed me. My priests and leaders starved to death in the city, even as they searched for food to save their lives. “LORD, see my anguish! My heart is broken and my soul despairs, for I have rebelled against you. In the streets the sword kills, and at home there is only death. “Others heard my groans, but no one turned to comfort me. When my enemies heard about my troubles, they were happy to see what you had done. Oh, bring the day you promised, when they will suffer as I have suffered. “Look at all their evil deeds, LORD. Punish them, as you have punished me for all my sins. My groans are many, and I am sick at heart.”
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5 Days
Preparing for total joint replacement surgery? Struggling with the pain and confusion of a broken body? Check out what the book of Habakkuk has to say about faith and restoration. Sometimes the old and broken is carved out to create space for something new and whole.
Most likely written by the prophet Jeremiah, Lamentations is a collection of poems mourning the siege of Jerusalem and the coming exile of Judah. Despite the wickedness of God’s people that led to their captivity, the writer reminds his readers the loyal love and mercy of the Lord are truly new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Even in deep darkness, God is our portion, our hope, and our salvation.
7 Days
In this series, you’ll explore what it means to develop a faithful approach to hardship and suffering by reflecting on various Biblical principles and stories. From acknowledging the sovereignty of God in our struggles to learning how to express yourself honestly before Him, each part walks you through different facets of enduring trials. You’ll also learn about the role of silence in God’s presence, how to grieve well, and how to tell your own story in the context of His purpose. This series offers encouragement, Biblical wisdom, and practical applications for walking through hardship with faith.
The Lent Project is an initiative of Biola University's Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts. Each daily devotion includes a portion of Scripture, a devotional, a prayer, a work of visual art or a video, a piece of music, and a poem plus brief commentaries on the artworks and artists. The Seven Last Words of Christ refers to the seven short phrases uttered by Jesus on the cross, as gathered from the four Christian gospels. This devotional project connects word, image, voice and song into daily meditations on these words.
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