Heal Me
Opening Prayer
Righteous God, full of compassion and mercy, even when we turn from You, You are always desiring to heal. Thank You.
Read Jeremiah 17:1-18
[1] “Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron tool, inscribed with a flint point, on the tablets of their hearts and on the horns of their altars. [2] Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles beside the spreading trees and on the high hills. [3] My mountain in the land and your wealth and all your treasures I will give away as plunder, together with your high places, because of sin throughout your country. [4] Through your own fault you will lose the inheritance I gave you. I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for you have kindled my anger, and it will burn forever.” [5] This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. [6] That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. [7] “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. [8] They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” [9] The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? [10] “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” [11] Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay are those who gain riches by unjust means. When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them, and in the end they will prove to be fools. [12] A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary. [13] LORD, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water. [14] Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. [15] They keep saying to me, “Where is the word of the LORD? Let it now be fulfilled!” [16] I have not run away from being your shepherd; you know I have not desired the day of despair. What passes my lips is open before you. [17] Do not be a terror to me; you are my refuge in the day of disaster. [18] Let my persecutors be put to shame, but keep me from shame; let them be terrified, but keep me from terror. Bring on them the day of disaster; destroy them with double destruction. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does the imagery of verses 5 through 8 relay?The juggernaut of judgment continues on its way. Jeremiah warns of occupation and exile as a result of sin (3,4). The people have turned their backs on the Lord and they will have to pay for it. But this is a nuanced conversation between the prophet and his master. While God searches and examines his people’s deceitful hearts (9,10), Jeremiah approaches the Lord with intimate candor (14). This is a major facet of Jeremiah’s greatness. His words are often uncompromising, but here is a man whose vulnerability is evident (16). He pours out his heart, longing for healing and restoration. This may account for the ease with which he is mocked, shamed and bullied. Jeremiah desires a personal and loving experience of the God he represents. This will sustain him on the difficult road he must walk.
Apply
Like Jeremiah, honestly pour out your heart to your Father. Tell him about your deepest needs and find rest in him.
Closing prayer
Daddy, I want to trust in You and not humans. Help me to speak whatever You call me to out of a pure heart set on You.
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