Confession
Be appalled, O heavens, at this;
be shocked, be utterly desolate,
declares the LORD,
for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
broken cisterns that can hold no water.
(Jeremiah 2:12-13 ESV)
God is calling for the heavens to realize the weight of what is happening here on earth. "Be appalled, be shocked, be desolate!"
What is so appalling and so shocking?
The people of God have forsaken God- who is the fountain of living waters
and
They have made water tanks that have huge holes- water tanks that cannot hold any water.
The picture is of a parched man who needs desperately a drink of water but instead of running to the forest where the underground brook breaks into a cool pool clean fresh water he runs into the desert where it sucks the life out of the person.
Why is that we so continually walk by the source of life and eternal joy to find pleasure in what cannot sustain? These things can be good things but not eternal things like marriage, parenthood (fatherhood), or maybe a vocation or career. They can be neutral things not (really) good or bad but still not eternally satisfying. Things like TV, vacations, facebook, money. or they can be things that just plain bad like illicit sexual activity, abusing drugs or alcohol, pornography, or selfishness.
Our hearts are quick to forget the grace of God, and quick to run to find what only He can give in Himself in his gifts. This is idolatry.
Let's confess our sins.
Assurance of pardon
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
(Psalm 86:4-5 ESV)
You have lifted your soul to God, and He is good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon him. Jesus Christ's body was broken and his blood was poured out on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. If you have called upon God and have a simple faith in Jesus all your sins are forgiven and you are welcome to fountain of life that gladdens the hearts of God's servants.