The end of Jeremiah chapter 10 is Jeremiah’s prayer. The verses leading up to this prayer recount the foolishness of humanity in their pursuit of idols. As we get to Jeremiah’s prayer, he begins praying by acknowledging his life is not his own. 

If you have been reading the weekly devotionals (if not, I ask that you go back and do so), I shared in week one that my word for 2022 was PLANS, Jeremiah 29:11-12. Initially, I had a vision and a plan for what I thought God should do in my life during 2022 rather than seeking out his plan. It was not until after much frustration that I landed where Jeremiah is in Chapter 10:23-24 “I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die.” NLT

In seeking, I had to repent of my idolatry, self-sufficiency, and pride. But I also had to submit to correction. I’ve come to realize in my journey of faith I wanted to do all the right things in my relationship with God so that He wouldn’t be upset with me. He would be pleased with me, love me, and appreciate my serving. All of which was the wrong way of understanding God. It took God’s correction and wisdom to teach me the proper perspective of his unconditional love and my value. 

In retrospect, the problematic situations I endured were not wasted and were, in fact, God’s gracious correction of the areas in my life where I was living for him in pretense. 

What areas of your life need correction? Pray and ask God for his plan and correction. Submit to God’s course for your life. 

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 NLT