4 The God Who Listens

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. - James 5:16

Jeremiah’s “Lamentation” Zedekiah revolts against Nebuchadnezzar Babylonians destroy Jerusalem – 586 BC Lamentations describes the sorrow that the Jews feel.

Has become a forced laborer! How lonely sits the city That was full of people! She has become like a widow Who was once great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces Has become a forced laborer! - Lamentations 1:1

She weeps bitterly in the night And her tears are on her cheeks; She has none to comfort her Among all her lovers. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; They have become her enemies. - Lamentations 1:2

Judah has gone into exile under affliction And under harsh servitude; She dwells among the nations, But she has found no rest; All her pursuers have overtaken her In the midst of distress. - Lamentations 1:3

How the Lord has covered the daughter of Zion With a cloud in His anger! He has cast from heaven to earth The glory of Israel, And has not remembered His footstool In the day of His anger. - Lamentations 2:1

- Lamentations 3:21-24 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” - Lamentations 3:21-24

Our Relationship with God in Times of Trouble: God is sometimes silent… but never absent WWII graffiti I believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining. I believe in love, even when I don’t feel it. I believe in God, even when He is silent.

Our Relationship with God in Times of Trouble: We need to let God know casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. - I Peter 5:7

Our Relationship with God in Times of Trouble: God has a purpose And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 Explained God uses all things for His Purpose God uses all things for His purpose, not ours God uses all things for His purpose and in His good time. You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book? – Psalm 56:8

When Your Trouble Seems Greater than your God, Remember: Don’t mistake silence for lack of love

When Your Trouble Seems Greater than your God, Remember: Don’t mistake silence for lack of love Prayer is always heard and needed

When Your Trouble Seems Greater than your God, Remember: Don’t mistake silence for lack of love Prayer is always heard and needed God has an overall purpose, don’t worry

God doesn’t expect a perfect life He just wants your life.