The author recalls a time when the Lord heard his cry for help and redeemedhim. He asks God to take notice of how his enemies are plotting against himand prays that He would uphold his cause. - P77
His enemies continue to mock himall day long, so he asks the Lord to pour out His anger on them and to givethem what they deserve. - P77
The author recalls a time when he was trapped in the depths of a pit andcried out to the Lord for relief. God heard his prayer and rescued him.
- P78
These words are a great encouragement to the people of Jerusalem. Thesame God who did not let the author die in the pit will save His peoplefrom the darkness of exile if they cry out to Him. - P78
It does not matterhow low we have sunk in our sin and rebellion; God‘s mercy is alwaysable to find us and restore us. - P78
If we humble ourselves and depend onHis grace alone, God will reach out to us with His comforting presenceand assure us that we have nothing to fear.
The prophet pleads with God to deal with the enemies of Israel who in-sult and mock him. He does not try to take matters into his own handsbut rather cries out to God to fight for him and destroy his enemieson his behalf. - P78
We have all experienced situations where people haveattacked or opposed us, but the Bible teaches us that our real enemy isSatan. - P78
We cannot fight Satan using our own resources; we must rely onGod‘s power to defeat him. - P78
This spiritual battle against the enemy cantake many different forms, but God is faithful and powerful. He prom-ises victory for His children, so let us trust Him in all circumstances. - P78
The next time you feel defeated, remember the cross and look to theGod who knows all things. He knows the beginning and the end.
- P79
When He allows certain things to happen, He knows why. Be encouraged
because our God never fails. - P79
Dear Lord, I entrust You with my life and the battles I am struggling withtoday. You are my hope, strength, and light. In You, I am victorious. In Jesus‘
name I pray, amen. - P79
The prophet compares Israel‘s lost glory to gold that has become dull.
- P82
The once treasured people of God have now become a laughingstockamong the nations. This is exactly what sin does to us. - P82
God createdus to live for Him as His chosen people. He wants everyone to have avibrant relationship with Him. - P82
But sin drives people away from God.
It causes them to forsake the glory of God for worthless idols that onlysteal, kill, and destroy. It not only affects individuals, but spreads likea disease to communities and nations as well. - P82
It is the cause of all thepain and suffering that we see around us. Let us cry out to God for ourcommunities and cities, that He might restore their lost glory. - P82
The author reflects on the extent of God‘s judgment upon Israel. Hecompares their suffering to the punishment that was delivered on thewicked city of Sodom. - P82
When God‘s anger burned against Sodom, Hedestroyed the entire city with sulfur and everyone inside perished.
- P82
When the city of Jerusalem was besieged by its enemies, the peoplewho once lived in splendor were reduced to skin and bone and wereforced to do unspeakable things out of their desperation. - P82
It is easy tofeel overwhelmed and hopeless when we see just how horrific the con-sequences of sin can be. But no matter how dire the situation, if we cryout to God, He will respond with compassion. - P82
It is never too late toturn back to Him. - P82
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