I have never really touched this book before (Lamentations). Today (Monday) I could not stop thinking about Tuesday - My day in court to contest my ticket. I have never been to court before and it is a bit nerve racking. I really don't want to pay the fine - the worst thing would be if my insurance finds out because my rates would increase.
As I continue to blog each day, I find that I encounter more and more and more humble pie. During those days when I did not seek God - I felt like I barely encountered humble pie.
I do not believe in the prosperity gospel. I don't believe that God does not bless me because I am not doing enough of something. I believe that God loves me and knows what he is doing as the Sovereign King of the University.
I cannot put it better than Matthew Henry so I will copy and paste his commentary.
Commentary on Lamentations 3:1-20
(Read Lamentations 3:1-20)
The prophet relates the more gloomy and discouraging part of his experience, and how he found support and relief. In the time of his trial the Lord had become terrible to him. It was an affliction that was misery itself; for sin makes the cup of affliction a bitter cup. The struggle between unbelief and faith is often very severe. But the weakest believer is wrong, if he thinks that his strength and hope are perished from the Lord.
Commentary on Lamentations 3:21-36
(Read Lamentations 3:21-36)
Having stated his distress and temptation, the prophet shows how he was raised above it. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. We should observe what makes for us, as well as what is against us. God's compassions fail not; of this we have fresh instances every morning. Portions on earth are perishing things, but God is a portion for ever. It is our duty, and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. Afflictions do and will work very much for good: many have found it good to bear this yoke in their youth; it has made many humble and serious, and has weaned them from the world, who otherwise would have been proud and unruly. If tribulation work patience, that patience will work experience, and that experience a hope that makes not ashamed. Due thoughts of the evil of sin, and of our own sinfulness, will convince us that it is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed. If we cannot say with unwavering voice, The Lord is my portion; may we not say, I desire to have Him for my portion and salvation, and in his word do I hope? Happy shall we be, if we learn to receive affliction as laid upon us by the hand of God.
Commentary on Lamentations 3:37-41
(Read Lamentations 3:37-41)
While there is life there is hope; and instead of complaining that things are bad, we should encourage ourselves with the hope they will be better. We are sinful men, and what we complain of, is far less than our sins deserve. We should complain to God, and not of him. We are apt, in times of calamity, to reflect on other people's ways, and blame them; but our duty is to search and try our own ways, that we may turn from evil to God. Our hearts must go with our prayers. If inward impressions do not answer to outward expressions, we mock God, and deceive ourselves.
Commentary on Lamentations 3:42-54
(Read Lamentations 3:42-54)
The more the prophet looked on the desolations, the more he was grieved. Here is one word of comfort. While they continued weeping, they continued waiting; and neither did nor would expect relief and succour from any but the Lord.
Commentary on Lamentations 3:55-66
(Read Lamentations 3:55-66)
Faith comes off conqueror, for in these verses the prophet concludes with some comfort. Prayer is the breath of the new man, drawing in the air of mercy in petitions, and returning it in praises; it proves and maintains the spiritual life. He silenced their fears, and quieted their spirits. Thou saidst, Fear not. This was the language of God's grace, by the witness of his Spirit with their spirits. And what are all our sorrows, compared with those of the Redeemer? He will deliver his people from every trouble, and revive his church from every persecution. He will save believers with everlasting salvation, while his enemies perish with everlasting destruction.
Surely God is good. I cannot just expect to receive the best of everything everytime. I must praise him while in the storm. His mercies are new each day and they are more than enough. The LORD is my portion forever and will always be sufficient.
Thinking back about some of the trials I faced in college - God came through faithful not for my sakes but because first he is faithful to his own name and character.
- ILSTU Housing which would've have forced me to pay at least $9,000 extra.
- Meeting new friends at IlSTU
- Struggle with purity
- Horrible grades 1st semester GPA of 2.33? to a GPA of 3.54? 2nd semester last year. I thought I was just meant to be a failure in college
- To stay with the Encounter ministry or not
- To find a church I can call home down here at school
- A few very faithful men of God
- Blossoming relationships with friends and especially the family
- Fixing that car this weekend
- Breaking free from materialistic addiction
- A way to get fed spirtually
These were just things that came off the top of my head that I was really anxious and worried about for a while down here at the ILSTU. Hopefully I can add on to that list tomrorow when I go to court.
In the future, I hope to be able to say that God was GLORIOUS in the major I decided to pursue and got into here at the ILSTU. Right now I feel like a whore - by wanting to leave my bridgegroom (Christ. I feel like those things in the past where God answered my prayers - those things were just coincidental.
Christ - I do not want to be unfaithful. I want to trust in your goodness. I want to trust that you know what you are doing. Please remove this unfaithfulness that is in my heart and my soul. I have a desire to rid my mind of those thoughts and feelings. I want to be able to cling onto you and your promises for me. In my heart I know you are good and you are faithful. In my heart I know you God work for the good of those who love you and who have been called according to your purpose.
Please pray this prayer for me also.
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