21 They have heard that I sigh: there is none to comfort me: all mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it: thou wilt bring the day that thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me.
Lamentations is not a book of the Bible that I read often. When I read this passage, I thought of how I have felt when things go wrong and I know it’s my fault. This is especially true if I haven’t listened to the good advice from others. Most of the time, they don’t say, “I told you so.” I am grateful for that.
The people of Jerusalem must have felt that way for not listening to Jeremiah and then watching the city be left without food and then without people as they either fled from those who were attacking them, were killed, or were sent into exile.
Hopefully, when we fall on our faces for not doing what we should do, we have friends who will not blame us, but will help us. We also need to make sure that the people we listen to are those who will encourage us to do the right thing. How many times have we been led astray by those who want us to get involved in the same destructive behavior as they are?
The end of this passage looks to Yahweh to bring the same desolation to Zion’s enemies as they have brought to Zion. I don’t think that God wants us to wish destruction on our enemies, or those who have led us into trouble, but we might pray for them, and ask God to turn their hearts to planning good and not evil. It is sometimes difficult to know who to trust and who we should not be listening to, but just like the people of Jerusalem, we need to listen to the voice of God and ask God to help us decide.
Lord God, you are always trying to help us know the path to follow. You give us your words in Scripture to listen to, and you surround us with people who can help us. Help us to listen to you, and remain faithful to your Son, Jesus. Amen.
