In Jeremiah Chapter 8, the prophet lays out some strong condemnation and dire warnings for the kings, priests, prophets and people of Judah. And while most of what he says pertains directly to the way God was dealing with and will deal with the Jews, I found a little nugget in there that can be applied in principle to any people group or individual person, serving the Lord. 

Actually, all of it could probably be extrapolated to better our understanding of how God deals with backsliding in general, but I’ll only bring out one little point: In addressing the leaders of Judah, specifically, he says this in verse 11: They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace. – ESV

False Hope

In this context, he is talking about the fact that there is utter spiritual chaos in the land and bloody war on the horizon because of the evil of the nation. But the priests and prophets kept soothing the people with false claims of current peace and false promises of future peace. 

In my personal life I can think back to a time when, even as a Christian, I had deep spiritual problems and darkness in my life. And knowing what I know now, I should have addressed those problems and sins in repentance, remorse and surrender before the Lord—allowing Him to deal with my sins and wounds no matter what the cost. 

But, at the time, I chose to “lightly heal” my wounds, with soothing words to myself and distractions that calmed the flesh and mind. Sometimes this even involved further entanglements in sin—creating deeper problems, though I was seeking to gloss over the ones I already had.  

The Larger Picture

Beyond this personal example, though, I would like to draw attention to the condition of our society right now and the condition of the corporate body of believers. As this verse had addressed the leaders of Judah, so too, I would like to notice the leaders of the church today. 

How many are crying out in alarm over the depth of evil and depravity that are stacking up to the heavens and potentially creating a stench in God’s nostrils? Unfortunately, not that many. There are probably more believers and church leaders concerned about being at peace with, and inclusive to, evildoers, than calling out their ways with conviction and love—which could lead to repentance and a relationship with the Father that could deeply—instead of lightly—heal their wounds.

Walk With True Shepherds

And while the things we can do to better the conditions of the church in general are limited, my encouragement is this: if you haven’t already, find true shepherds who genuinely care for God’s flock as those who must one day give an account for the work they do, and place yourself under their care and authority. Be diligent and prayerful about it and the Lord will help you in this quest. 

About seven years ago, God led me to such a church with such leaders. And I have since had the privilege of walking in deep communion with the Father while He deeply healed my many wounds one by one. Has it been easy? No. I have walked through many deep valleys with the Lord by my side. 

I have faced some of the hardest times of my life through these years. I have also had some of the best times of my life. I have heard hard messages that said the opposite of ‘Peace, peace’. But those messages were leading me to a place where I can have true peace in my heart even if all around me is in chaos.