Flip the Script—Turn Us Back to You

Turn us back to You, O Lord, and we will be restored; Renew our days as of old. —Lamentations 5:21 NKJV

Lamentations, by the prophet Jeremiah, reflect on the hardship of Jerusalem following the Israelites’ disobedience. During this period, food is scarce, families are shattered, and Israel has succumbed to its enemies. These five chapters contrast the prior beauty and abundance that once flourished in Jerusalem with the consequences of God’s wrath. Yet, this book also offers hope. Amid loss and terror, change is possible. It is in the aftermath of destruction that Jeremiah prays for restoration and requests that God “turn us back to You.”

The Guiding Hand of the Good Shepherd

Like children prone to wander, we ultimately touch things that burn us and venture into places we shouldn’t go. No wonder Jesus Christ is considered the good Shepherd, continually herding us back into safekeeping. As we journey through life and find ourselves in undesirable circumstances, we should look beyond our distress and ask the Lord to turn us back that we may be restored.

Embracing Reconciliation and Restoration Amidst Painful Turns

Though necessary, our turn back can be painful. We may need to turn away from the very things we desire. Our omnipotent and wise Father knows what is best for us. And everything we want isn’t always God’s best. Like the Israelites, we often don’t recognize our wrongs until tragedy strikes. Mercifully, we don’t have to remain among the ruins. Reconciliation and restoration are available.

The Journey of Restoration: Embracing Change and Turning Back to Faith

Still, restoration takes time. We often find ourselves getting into debt or entangled in disastrous relationships over time. It also requires time for God to change our troublesome situations, even as He changes us. Turning back may require a turn of the heart, mind, or both. Sometimes we must come to the end of ourselves before we acknowledge that we need to turn back to God.

If you feel as though ashes surround you, ask God to draw you closer to Him. Flip the script— realizing that hope and mercy abound in dire circumstances. Unlike the Israelites, we have Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who intercede, comfort, counsel, heal, and so much more.

Cry out to the Lord and be restored.

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Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, trusting in Your divine wisdom. Help me remember that Your will is always best for my life, even when I do not understand Your plans. Give me the faith to surrender my desires and to seek Your guidance in all that I do. May I find peace in knowing that Your will leads to what is truly good and perfect. Thank you for your love and faithfulness. I trust in Your timing and Your purpose. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Your turn: God’s word says, Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23, NKJV).

After reading this passage, how can you “Flip the Script” by doing the following?

1. Surrender your desires and open your heart to God's guidance today.

2. Let go of your cravings and trust in God's divine plan for your life.

3. Release your will and embrace God's direction — surrender now and find true peace.