When many blessings do not turn people back to God, He may try another way. He may use even the curses and sorrows that are already at work in the earth because of sin. An example of this was given by the prophet Jeremiah. His people enjoyed seasons of plenty. Yet these good times did not turn their hearts to God (Jeremiah 5:24). Later came their times of great trouble, war and famine. God tried through these to show His people the result of their sin.
Your sins have kept you from enjoying the good things from the LORD (Jeremiah 5:25).
Still they would not listen. Finally their capital city, Jerusalem, was destroyed. Many of them were killed or made slaves.
In the book called Lamentations, Jeremiah tells of his tears as he watched his people starve and die in Jerusalem. Yet he knew how much God had tried to win them back. God had tried by means of both good times and bad times.
So, even in great sorrow, Jeremiah could still say,
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
ERV: We are still alive because the LORD’s faithful love never ends. Every morning he shows it in new ways! LORD, you are so very true and loyal!