Thought for the day – There is a balm in Gilead
The aim of my brief thoughts from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament is to stimulate you to read the book for yourself and perhaps re-listen to our recent sermon series in the book. The one that includes the verses I have used today was preached on 17th November 2019 by Graham Nicholls and the link is below.
‘Don’t ever feel discouraged, for Jesus is your friend; And if you lack for knowledge, He’ll never refuse to lend. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.’
I drown in grief. I’m heartsick. Oh, listen! Please listen! It’s the cry of my dear people reverberating through the country. Is God no longer in Zion? Has the King gone away? Can you tell me why they flaunt their plaything-gods, their silly, imported no-gods before me? The crops are in, the summer is over, but for us, nothing’s changed. We’re still waiting to be rescued. For my dear broken people, I’m heartbroken. I weep, seized by grief. Are there no healing ointments in Gilead? Isn’t there a doctor in the house? So why can’t something be done.
Jeremiah 8 vs. 18 – 22