Jeremiah 14:20-22
20 We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord, and the iniquity of our fathers, for we have sinned against you. 21 Do not spurn us, for your name's sake; do not dishonor your glorious throne; remember and do not break your covenant with us. 22 Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not he, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things.
Much of the book of Jeremiah is about God pronouncing judgement on the people of Judah. They had turned away from God and were about to see the consequences. When we have sinned, rather than make up excuses, it is better to just admit the truth: "We have sinned against you" (verse 20). This is where we need to start, with an admittal of our sin. God will not begin to heal us until we learn to admit our brokenness. But it is also interesting to note here that Jeremiah does not ask God to help us because we deserve help, but "for your name's sake" and "your covenant with us" (verse 21). It is not our goodness that moves God, but His honor and mercy. That should both humble us and give us hope, for our hope is not in ourselves, but in God (verse 22).
Lord, we have sinned, and You are our only hope.
20 We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord, and the iniquity of our fathers, for we have sinned against you. 21 Do not spurn us, for your name's sake; do not dishonor your glorious throne; remember and do not break your covenant with us. 22 Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not he, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things.
Much of the book of Jeremiah is about God pronouncing judgement on the people of Judah. They had turned away from God and were about to see the consequences. When we have sinned, rather than make up excuses, it is better to just admit the truth: "We have sinned against you" (verse 20). This is where we need to start, with an admittal of our sin. God will not begin to heal us until we learn to admit our brokenness. But it is also interesting to note here that Jeremiah does not ask God to help us because we deserve help, but "for your name's sake" and "your covenant with us" (verse 21). It is not our goodness that moves God, but His honor and mercy. That should both humble us and give us hope, for our hope is not in ourselves, but in God (verse 22).
Lord, we have sinned, and You are our only hope.