When I was growing up, I was constantly being instructed by my parents on what was acceptable for me to do.  Also, I  was told if my actions were unacceptable there would be consequences.  I had to test their words. Very early in my life, I learned they meant exactly what they said; there were consequences for unacceptable actions. After learning this about my parents, I had two options: either do as they instructed or suffer the consequences of disobedience. I realized doing as I was instructed made my life growing up a whole lot better.  There were times I didn’t follow their instructions and got mad at them for punishing me. The person I should have been mad with was myself.

In Lamentation 3:37-41, Jeremiah is consoling the Jews because they are in captivity through their disobedience to God. God allowed this to happen because their actions were unacceptable. Therefore, they had to suffer the consequence. While they were in captivity they were mad with God, but they should have been mad at themselves. Jeremiah was letting the people know you have to own what you have done and return to God. With the understanding we have offended You and we repent. What it says in verse 41 is “let us lift up our hearts as well as our hands to God in Heaven.” They are instructed to lift their hearts, which means they are returning to the will of God. Once their hearts are lifted, their hands will immediately follow. They can only do this when they make the decision to own what they have done.

Are you mad at God for the mistakes you have made? It’s time for you to take a look at yourself, and realize the only person you should be mad at is yourself. This will not happen until you are willing to own what you have done. Once you own it and lift your heart to heaven, your hands will follow!

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