By inspireempowerconnect4235 on August 10, 2021 ( Leave a comment )

Inspired, Empowered, Connected: Turn Your Focus Outwardly Towards God

The prophet Jeremiah was going through a difficult time. He was being rejected, ridiculed, mocked by all. Has there ever been a time in your life when you have been rejected and ridiculed by those who you believe should support you? You have only wanted what is best for them, but they fail to recognize it? That is exactly where the prophet Jeremiah found himself. He saw firsthand the devastation and destruction of Jerusalem. This caused him to fall into a great depression. The word of God records that he wept and mourned over the ruins of the city of God.

When I place myself in the shoes of Jeremiah my situations pale in comparison to his. However, Jeremiah did not stay in that place of depression. This verse shows us that Jeremiah looked away from his emotions, from his situations. He turned his focus away from his feelings outwardly towards God. He remembered that although, the people of God were at times rebellious, God still showed them mercy. God still showed them compassion. God was still long-suffering for them. So, Jeremiah declared an amazing beautiful truth. That God’s love is steadfast, never ceasing. God’s mercies never end. They are new like the rising of the sun each morning, and His faithfulness towards the people of God is great!

Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

This is a wonderful way to know that sometimes situations may come that place an individual in a depressive state. However, Jeremiah teaches by his example that the way to step out of that emotion is to turn away from your own inward depressive emotions and focus on God. When an individual turns away from themselves and turns outwardly to God He is there waiting to love the person. To show the person mercy for all the times the individual was mocked and rejected. To show the individuak His faithfulness to move them out of that depressive state into a position and posture of hope.

God will never leave an individual in the poor state of emotion where He found them. God will always lead a person out of a poor mentality, to a place where there is rest in his refuge, to strengthen the person for what may come in the future. So, the next time you find yourself in a depressive state, turn your focus towards the Lord where your strength comes from.