What actions can we take when feeling "rejected" or "stricken" as in Jeremiah 14:19? The Cry of Jeremiah 14:19 “Have You completely rejected Judah? Do You despise Zion? Why have You stricken us so that there is no healing for us? We hoped for peace, but no good has come—for a time of healing, but there was only terror.” (Jeremiah 14:19) Recognize and Voice the Pain Honestly • Jeremiah names the hurt without softening it (see also Psalm 13:1–2). • God welcomes truthful lament; honest words open the way for real help (Psalm 62:8). Turn Quickly to the Lord in Prayer • “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) • Present every feeling and circumstance rather than withdrawing in silence. Confess Sin and Repent • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • National calamity in Jeremiah’s day traced back to covenant unfaithfulness; personal repentance still brings restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14). Remember God’s Covenant Faithfulness • “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:21–23). • Past acts of redemption guarantee present help and future rescue. Seek the LORD Wholeheartedly • “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12–13). • Set aside competing loyalties and distractions; pursue His presence through Scripture, worship, and obedient living. Cast Every Care on Him • “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). • Transfer the weight of rejection and affliction onto the shoulders of the One who never fails. Trust His Character and Promises • “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10). • “Neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God.” (Romans 8:38–39). Engage in Obedient Living While You Wait • “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). • Continue sowing good deeds; “in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9). Draw Strength from God’s People • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together.” (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Isolation magnifies pain; fellowship supplies comfort, perspective, and accountability. Expect Restoration and Hope • “For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5). • “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.” (Jeremiah 31:3). Summary actions when feeling rejected or stricken: • Lament honestly. • Pray boldly. • Repent sincerely. • Recall covenant truths. • Seek God wholeheartedly. • Cast every care. • Trust His character. • Persevere in obedience. • Lean on the church. • Anticipate joy-bringing restoration. |
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