“They did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord who brought us safely out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness—a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and death, where no one lives or even travels?’” (Jeremiah 2:6, NLT).

Observation:

The recipients of Jeremiah’s message were guilty on two fronts. First though they could bring no charge against him, they had forsaken God who loved them and had provided for them (v.5). Secondly, they failed to ask God’s help. They did not even demand of God why he was not doing now what he had done in the past for their ancestors (v.6). Even their priests, teachers, rulers, and prophets were not turning to God in the distress of foreign invasion (v.8). Why would they prefer a foreign, nonexistent, powerless god over the true God of power and might?

Application:

If I am not experiencing God’s power in my life, I need to ask myself, “Where is the Lord?” The answer to that question maybe, as it was for the ancient Israelites, present but ignored. To what have I turned to improve or amend the situation instead of seeking God’s wisdom and direction? To what have I devoted my time as a poor substitute for what God alone can give? 

Prayer:

Father, thank you for your patience and faithfulness to me. Draw me closer to you. Forgive me for prizing my own desires and seeking my own way rather than trustingly and patiently relying on your providence. Grant me your grace to be a faithful, trusting child eager to follow your direction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.