10-06-06 Lamentations 3:33-36

Lamentations 3:33-36 (KJ21)
For He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. To crush under His feet all the prisoners of the earth, to turn aside the right of a man before the face of the Most High, to subvert a man in his cause—the Lord approveth not.

Lamentations 3:33-36 (NAS)
For He does not afflict willingly, Or grieve the sons of men. To crush under His feet All the prisoners of the land, To deprive a man of justice In the presence of the Most High, To defraud a man in his lawsuit—Of these things the Lord does not approve.


Lamentations 3:33-36 (NIVUS)
For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny a man his rights before the Most High, to deprive a man of justice— would not the Lord see such things?

Lamentations 3:33-36 (NLT)
For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow. But the leaders of his people trampled prisoners underfoot. They deprived people of their God-given rights in defiance of the Most High. They perverted justice in the courts. Do they think the Lord didn’t see it?

Many people see Adonai as hard and demanding. They thin He is constantly breathing out fire and threats. However, these people do not understand the Father-heart of God. The Almighty actually cares for you and wills the best for you. He does not have a hard or stiff heart, but one that is kind and tender towards his children. He does not wish to browbeat or look down on you. You are not abased or afflicted in His sight. He does not want to deal harshly with you, but to show you gentleness. His will is not to bring you low; grief and sorrow should not be normal aspects of your life.

God will not beat and bruise you, for you are His beloved child. Even though He has the power to crush and destroy you, He will not break you in pieces. You are not under Adonai's feet, where you could be oppressed and injured. You are not a captive prisoner, bound to an oppressive tyrant's will.

As a valiant, strong man or woman, you have certain rights and privileges that the Lord will not set aside. He will not stretch out His hands to take them away. He will not bend you until you yield. He desires that you come willingly before His face; He wants you to freely seek Him. As the Most High God, Adonai could force your obedience and submission, but He wants you to have the liberty to choose. He does not want to contend with you over your cause; He does not want to wrest from you hands. Overthrow and subversion are not the Lord's style. Jehovah does not even approve of such actions.

God desires that you enjoy your experiences with Him, instead of striving. Jehovah looks on you with regard and respect. You should treat Him in the same way.