WHEN THE DAYS GROW WEARY
Jeremiah 29:1-14
INTRODUCTION: To the children of Israel and to us also God has a message when things are going terrible in our lives: Jeremiah 29:11. Jeremiah preached doom for the nation, but after the bottom dropped out he brought a message of hope. He told them to settle down because for seventy-years they would live in captivity. We need to learn the A, B, C, and Ds of Jeremiah 29.
A. ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S HAND!
We need to first recognize God’s hand in whatever is happening to us. God told the Israelites four times here that what happened to them happened at His hand: Jeremiah 29:4, 7, 14, and 20. God explained that it wasn’t the Babylonians alone who had taken them into exile. No, God Himself had brought it about because of their sin. We need to learn in our own lives that nothing happens without our God’s knowledge and permission. James 1:2-5 tells us that if we will turn to God in our troubles we will find blessings to be enjoyed, and we will learn the lessons that in the end will bless us even more. Let’s look at some examples: Joseph: Genesis 41:51; Genesis 41:52. The Apostle Paul: Philippians 3:13-14. How can we follow their example? We must delight in the Lord and commit our lives to Him and God will establish our lives and bless our lives also.
B. BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!
We are to bloom and grow right where we are planted. We are to go on loving the Lord with our whole being, our heart, our mind, and our soul: Jeremiah 29:4-7. We are to keep on building, keep on functioning, keep on planting and harvesting. Live, bloom, and grow. Don’t sit around sad or depressed waiting for things to get better. Make things better! Jeremiah 29:11. Do you understand that God has a plan for your life also and His plan is to make everything work together for your good? Romans 8:28-29.
C. CONCENTRATE ON GOD’S PROMISES!
We also must concentrate on the promises of God: Jeremiah 29:10-14. We can find the help we need when things are not going our way if we will reflect on the promises of our God. 2 Peter 1:3-4; James 1:12-13; James 1:17; Psalm 34:8-9; Psalm 107:8-9; Nahum 1:7; Psalm 46:1-3. God uses rewards as an enticement to faithful living: Jeremiah 29:11; Hebrews 10:35-39. God’s promises rebuke us when we are tempted to doubt His goodness. God’s promises give us comfort even in our trials. God’s promises encourage us to keep trusting in Him.
D. DO SOMETHING USEFUL!
While we are in our difficult times and our confident of God’s promises of good, we can do something useful. Our God has called each of us to glorify Him and to be a blessing to others: Matthew 20:25-28. Wherever we are and whatever our circumstances, we are to serve our God. Our God provides us with all we need to do something useful: even in the midst of our suffering. What is your expected end? Romans 10:9-10, 13. 1 Corinthians 2:9. Heaven is the expected end for all who name Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Psalm 16:11.