“Their heart cried out to the Lord, “O wall of the daughter of Zion, let your tears run down like a river day and night; Give yourself no relief, let your eyes have no rest.” (v.18)
Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the classic antislavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, wrote, “Any mind that is capable of real sorrow is capable of good.” This echoes today’s verse. Real (or godly) sorrow prompts one to repentance. “Worldly” sorrow, on the other hand, seldom gets past the regret of “getting caught.”
Having realized the link between their sin and God’s judgment, Jerusalem was beginning to experience that godly sorrow that would lead to its healing and salvation. Sensing their brokenness, Jeremiah encouraged the people to cry out to God with unending tears (v. 18). The few survivors that existed heeded the prophet’s call to repentance and prayer (v.19). And we know from history, that conditions improved and the devastation came to an end.
Brothers and sisters the first step toward wholeness begins by pouring one’s heart out before the Lord in repentance, which brings new life. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your sin, take that step of repentance today, you’ll never regret it (see prayer to the right on this page, “Connect with God").
The Truth: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the classic antislavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, wrote, “Any mind that is capable of real sorrow is capable of good.” This echoes today’s verse. Real (or godly) sorrow prompts one to repentance. “Worldly” sorrow, on the other hand, seldom gets past the regret of “getting caught.”
Having realized the link between their sin and God’s judgment, Jerusalem was beginning to experience that godly sorrow that would lead to its healing and salvation. Sensing their brokenness, Jeremiah encouraged the people to cry out to God with unending tears (v. 18). The few survivors that existed heeded the prophet’s call to repentance and prayer (v.19). And we know from history, that conditions improved and the devastation came to an end.
Brothers and sisters the first step toward wholeness begins by pouring one’s heart out before the Lord in repentance, which brings new life. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your sin, take that step of repentance today, you’ll never regret it (see prayer to the right on this page, “Connect with God").
The Truth: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)
