Bring us back to yourself, O Lᴏʀᴅ, so that we may return to you; renew our life as in days before.
Into the Text
As our time in the book of Lamentations comes to a close, we find a simple, yet profound prayer of repentance in the midst of all the indescribable suffering and pain. The author believes God does not turn away from a repentant heart and is compassionate and abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). He pleads with God to allow the people of Judah to return to Him so that their lives may be saved and renewed.
As we learn more about the practice of lament in the daily life of a Christian, may we never forget who the source of all life, joy, renewal, and faith is. It is our Lord, our Heavenly Father, our holy and just Creator who loves us beyond what we can imagine.
May the request in Lamentations 5:21 for restoration and renewal become a regular prayer for those of us who want to love God greatly. We should ask Him to enable us to walk with Him daily, so we may never turn away and forget Him.
With the exception of chapter 3, the book of Lamentations is often skipped in Bible study. Perhaps this is because it stirs conflict within us, forcing us to question God, His purposes, and His nature. However, such questioning is what brings God’s children closer to Him. It is in the soul-searching process that we find life-giving answers about God and profound peace in response to those questions.
We are meant to continue through the whole process of lament, one step at a time. After crying out to God and repenting of sin, we turn to the practice of trust and praise.
Prayer
God, I pray that you would work in my heart to renew and restore anything within me that takes me away from you. I want to wholeheartedly follow you through the good times and bad of life. Amen.