The prophet calls Israel to cry out to God all day and all night with tears andhands lifted up. - P59
He asks the Lord to see Israel‘s desolation and consider show-ing pity because young and old alike are perishing in the streets. He recallsthat when the Lord acted upon His anger through Israel‘s enemies, no onecould be saved. - P59
The author exhorts the people to cry out to the Lord day and night. Heuses vivid and emotive language that captures the depths of their grief,
calling the people to pour out their hearts like water in the presenceof the Lord. - P60
This expression creates a sense of unceasing mourningthat naturally flows from one‘s soul. These are not carefully wordedprayers- they are brutally honest, unfiltered cries of a broken peoplebefore their God. - P60
When we experience suffering in our lives, God doesnot expect us to simply grit our teeth and get through it. Even whenthe suffering is a direct result of our own sin, God invites us to bringour sorrow before Him. - P60
He promises to hear our cries and help us intimes of need. - P60
After urging the people to cry out to God, the author does this himselfand prays to the Lord about the suffering that surrounds him. - P60
In thisprayer, he speaks in detail of the horrors that the people have endured.
Women have been driven to eat their own children out of starvation,
priests and prophets have been killed in the Lord‘s sanctuary, and menand women have been slaughtered in the streets. - P60
The author acknowl-edges that God has allowed this to happen and that everything is un-der His control. - P60
While we may never fully understand God‘s purposesbehind suffering that seems senseless, we can still bring our honestdoubts and questions to Him. - P60
He listens to our prayers and respondswith compassion. - P60
Father, I want to be honest with You in prayer, especially when I face difficultiesand challenges in my life. - P61
As I bring my cries, doubts, and questions before You,
help me to trust in Your goodness and unfailing love. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P61
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