Restoration

Lamentations 4-5; Psalm 103; Proverbs 26:23

The heart cry of the church—of every person who believes Jesus Christ and His servants—is for restoration. We need personal restoration, and we long for God to restore those around us, too. Lamentations paints a picture of devastation, and that devastation came about because people continually sinned and rebelled against God. The same is true today, and the brokenness in our communities and homes is just a small taste of the brokenness people will face when Jesus comes in wrath against Satan and all who have followed him.

But as Christians, we tell this truth with sadness as we think of all those who face eternal pain and suffering. Our God’s desire is not to pour out wrath, but to restore sinners and make them faithful servants once more. Sometimes, though, it takes a picture of God’s wrath to remind us to call to Jesus Christ for restoration.

Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure. – Lamentations 5:21-22

This should be our heart cry—for ourselves, our families, our neighbors, our co-workers, and our world. Restore us, Lord Jesus!

Father, thank You for urging us to seek Your restoration. May we hear Your love for us and, rather than getting angry with You and accusing You of wickedness because of Your wrath, may we seek Your restoration.