The Lord was determined to destroy the walls of Jerusalem. He made careful plans for their destruction, then he went ahead and did it. Therefore, the ramparts and walls have fallen down before him. Jerusalem's gates have sunk into the ground. All their locks and bars are destroyed, for he has smashed them. Her kings and princes have been exiled to distant lands; the law is no more. Her prophets receive no more visions from the Lord.
Lamentations 2:8-9
God's people had sinned to the point of destruction. God was so angry with them and their disobedience that it was time for Him to follow through with his promise of punishment. We often ask why, if He is so loving and full of grace, did God destroy whole cities? God is a jealous God and He will not tolerate His people's love for other Gods. He will punish those people who choose to disobey Him.
Jerusalem was a powerful city and the people had a false security in that. The walls and gates of the city made them feel safe from invasions and attacks. They were able to lock everyone out and stay hidden from their enemies. The people had strong leadership from their kings and princes and they felt safe under their protection. Their laws that were set in place guided them and gave them security. They also depended on their prophets' visions from the Lord which gave them an advantage over the enemy. Jerusalem's security did not lie in their trust in God but in man and man made things. They felt so sure of this security that living in sin and disobedience was comfortable for them. It was time for God to destroy this false security, to destroy these idols and punish them for their disobedience.
I can't help but wonder what things in our lives give us false security. What are we putting our trust in that keeps us comfortable in our sin? I also question the things in our lives that we have lost in the past. I wonder if our loss was because we held on too tightly, put our security in that thing or person, and God decided it was time to take it from us. Similar to the people of Jerusalem, do we allow man and man made things to become our security and begin to slide into sin without even noticing? Do we put our trust and base our security on our jobs, our leaders, our possessions, our friends, our money, or social status? Do we feel so safe that we don't worry about our choices and whether we are sinning or disobeying God?
Jerusalem had to lose all the things that they considered safe and the things they based their security in. When God took these things away the people were left with nothing and had to make the choice of repenting and turning to God or continuing on their path of sin and suffering. Ask God to help you evaluate your life and the things you hold too tightly too. Ask Him to show you where your security lies and if it is in anything that is not of God then it is time to get rid of it.
Dear God, I don't want to trust in anything but You. Please forgive me for placing my security in man and man made things. I hand over all of the idols in my life and I place them at the feet of Jesus Christ. I choose this day to search my heart and refocus my complete trust in only You. Thank You God for your grace and mercy and patience with me. Show me where to start and help me to get rid of my false securities. I love you so much, in Jesus' Name, Amen
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