Time marches on—and so do we. Today, we finish reading Lamentations, focusing on chapters 4 and 5. Though our attention centers on these final chapters, a verse from yesterday’s study drew me back.
“I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord’s wrath.” — Lamentations 3:1, NIV
Jeremiah had spent decades warning Judah of the coming peril if they did not repent. They mocked, beat, and tortured him. Now, his role shifts from prophet to reporter. His heart breaks as he watches the people God had placed on his heart to love—dying by the sword, or worse, by starvation and thirst (Lamentations 4:4–5). We knew this already. But what must we learn from it?
What Do We Value?
As I read verses 4:1–2, I’m confronted with a question: What do I find value in? For the people of Jerusalem, it was the gold-covered Temple and its sacred items—more than the God whose presence they represented. Tragedy often reveals what matters.

The memory came to me of when I went to work while my mother lay in the hospital—where she would pass away while I was at the office. That moment of loss brought clarity. It also made me think of my best friend during my teenage years: my dog, Java.
Loyalty and Loss
Java came into our lives unexpectedly. My sister found what looked like a purebred German Shepherd tied to a garbage can behind a grocery store. She brought her home, and soon the dog gave birth to eleven puppies. My brother claimed the first—perfect markings, the pick of the litter. The next nine, all found homes.

Then there was the runt. His hair was longer, with more black and grey than the others — a mutt. I connected with those traits and fell in love with him.

For over a decade, wherever I went, Java went. When I was hurting, he was with me. On every adventure, he was my companion. If a girl came into my life and he didn’t like her, I trusted his judgment. When each one broke my heart, he was there to comfort me.

Then came the decision. My brother moved to Wyoming, where wages were higher than I earned in Tucson. I followed him, staying with him until I got settled. But his landlord didn’t allow pets. I promised I’d return to Java soon.

I found work—but never secured my place. Before I could reunite with my faithful friend, he went missing. The loud fireworks display on the Fourth of July spooked him, causing him to flee. For years, I dreamed he was out there somewhere, searching for the friend who had abandoned him. That sense of betrayal haunted me.
Misplaced Priorities
Of course, losing a pet doesn’t compare to the anguish of a mother watching her child waste away (Lamentations 4:9), or suffer from thirst (v. 4:4). The people had grown so callous that mothers even turned to cannibalism (v. 4:10).

The root of my misfortune was greed. I had a good job working in a major department store’s warehouse. But I wanted more. For Judah, their sins caused God to turn His face away. They placed their faith in false prophets and idols (v. 4:15). Jeremiah had warned them, pleaded with them—but they wouldn’t listen.

Until that time, the Lord had kept a hedge of protection around His people. But now, He no longer watched over them (v. 4:16). Their idols and alliances could not save them (v. 4:17). Yet even in the darkest of days, a light breaks through—like a sunray piercing morning clouds. In verse 4:22, Jeremiah assures them: their punishment will end.
A Glimmer of Hope
I would never see Java again. I just hoped he’d found a wonderful home. He was old for his breed, so I prayed he’d find someone more worthy to love him.

Even without a god to save them, the people of Judah still had a God worthy of their affections. He would restore them seventy years later.
What Do You Treasure?
Today, as I reflect on these verses, I think about the useless things I value. The time and energy I pour into vain pursuits. And what I lose along the way that was far more precious.

Jesus said:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21, NIV
So ask yourself: What do you value? Where are you spending your time, energy, and money?
Tomorrow, we will read Ezekiel 1-4.
Citation

The Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011.