Hearts Barely Holding On

Aim: To go from desperation to hope and grace—all in Christ.

Doctrine: God operates on us in the real world. The Lord may let us get into desperate straits; there is nothing artificial about true Christianity.

Exegesis: How God loves us (even when we do not feel it): by forcing us to come face-to-face with ultimate issues (vv. 9-10); by forcing us to feel the fire of judgment (vv. 11-14); by forcing us to listen to His word (vv. 15-18).

Further application: How we go from anxiety to God's throne room: through our faith in Christ, as we submit to our good God (no matter what); by grace, as we love Jesus (no matter what).

Key verse: v. 10 ''Then I said, 'Ah, Lord God! Surely You have greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, ''You shall have peace,'' whereas the sword reaches to the heart.' ''