Complain or Confess?

When our own sins bring us challenging times, will we complain or confess?

“Let’s examine and search out our ways, and let’s return to the LORD. We raise our heart and hands toward God in heaven; we have done wrong and rebelled; You have not pardoned.”—Lamentations 3:40–42 NASB

There was much to complain about. God’s people Judah had been defeated in battle and overwhelmed by their enemies. They faced economic shortfalls and had gone through drought. The things they loved had been taken away, and they had lost control of their own destiny. Many were exiled to a foreign land.

Jeremiah explained that these problems were the result of sin. God’s people had failed to obey Him. They made decisions to follow the world and disregard His commands. How could they gain God’s favor again?

First, they needed to “examine and search out [their] ways,” look honestly at their lives, recognize their sins, remember His laws, and realize He had blessed them when they obeyed Him. Their troubles had come because they rejected Him and chose to go their own way.

Even though they had sinned, God was eager to heal and restore them. But they needed to return to Him, make Him first in their lives, and seek first His Kingdom.

To be restored, they had to confess their sins and lift their hearts and hands “toward God in heaven,” not blaming God or others but recognizing their responsibility and their need for confession and forgiveness.

Examine your heart and mind. Be honest with God. Confess your sins and humble yourself before Him. Seek His face. Cry out for His mercy. Ask Him to direct your path and bring restoration to your country.

Reflection Question: What did God reveal to you when you examined your heart?