Lamentations 3:40-41 English Standard Version

40 Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! 41 Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:

In the midst of some rather heavy lamentations we find some sound advice. The Word can be like that, hiding sound advice in the middle of some troublesome texts. It is an encouragement to keep reading.

Test our ways. If we are following Jesus we should be walking in the Way. We are Way Followers. This is not a walk of blind faith, we need to test the ground upon which we stand. Is it solid rock we stand upon according to His Word or have we continued to forge ahead without looking to see if the Lord has stopped to accomplish something, or turned? 

Examine our Way is a need to test ourselves again His Word. That is a daily examination like those who are lost checking a map to make sure we know where we are and need to adjust our course if necessary.

Hearts and hands seem to be easily understood, Love and action according to God’s plan for us. They are signs of worshiping God in spirit and truth.

The fact that this good advice is found in the midst of lamentations should remind us of the times we are currently enduring. Lamenting over what is happening in our cities, country and world will not change anything.

Love and obedience of faith have been the proven grounds upon which to stand.

We cannot stop what is foretold, we can only witness the love that changed us from sinners to saved by grace.