A Clear Pattern for Renewal

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Lamentations 5; 2 Kings 25:22-26; Jeremiah 40-42

Remember who you were before Christ? I sure do! He is the restorer of all; He makes us new; cleans us up; gives us purpose; and fills us with all good things (if we let Him). Today is a good day to remember who we are BECAUSE of what HE DID.

Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old.. Lamentations 5:21

We're continuing in Lamentations in today's reading. It's a heavy book, but reminds us of the devastation that sin brings and the judgment that God enforces. The flip side of that is the restoration, revival, and renewal that comes as a result of repentance and seeking the Lord.

Jeremiah’s prayer in Lamentations chapter 5 gives us a pattern of how to pray when we see a need for repentance and renewal.

It starts with remembering (Lam 5:1-15). Revelation 2:4 warns us not to forget our first love – that fresh perspective and emotion that was experienced when we came to Christ. Remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. Remember where we were before we were re-born (Eph 2). Reflect on all God has done for us and on our behalf.

The second step is repentance (Lam 5:16). Paul reiterates this in Acts 3:19...

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19

If you are in need of refreshing – consider whether repentance is a missing ingredient.

The next step is praise. Jeremiah recognizes God’s authority and ability to save (Lam 5:19). When we seek the Lord and turn our thoughts on Him, our hearts are filled with peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7).

Jeremiah then petitions the Lord for renewal (Lam 5:21). This is an element that comes only from the Holy Spirit. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” Titus 3:5 God renews our minds through the washing of His Word, renews our hearts through fellowship in His presence, and renews our life through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

We can gain quite the perspective on how to face dry or hard times through this weeping prophet’s prayer.

So pick up the Bible (or click on the link above) and read what God would speak to your heart today through His Word.