I love the Good News Bible translation of this chapter.
The LORD told me to say to his people, “When someone falls down, doesn’t he get back up? If someone misses the road, doesn’t he turn back? 5 Why then, my people, do you turn away from me without ever turning back? You cling to your idols and refuse to return to me.
Jeremiah 8:4-5 GNB
It’s a great question. Why don’t people turn back? Why don’t WE turn back?
The thing is, some people will never learn until the Lord fights against them. It sounds so brutal, but it’s true. Just take a moment and consider the battles that you have fought and what it took for God to finally wrestle you down on them. When this happens with me, I don’t listen to people. I suppress the Holy Spirit and justify my behavior. I get defensive and become emotional. Some even justify it by twisting Scripture. In the end, the Lord allowed me to experience deep heartache and sorrow that led to repentance.
And here’s the other thing. I guarantee you there is something He’s wrestled you down on right now. You may not know it, but I bet it’s there. I know many people who can’t take criticism. I mean, seriously, who likes to be criticized? I’m not talking about criticism from the world, but confrontation from fellow believers. If we can’t take an honest look at ourselves after that, what makes us think we will bend the knee when the Lord speaks to us?
I listened carefully, but you did not speak the truth. Not one of you has been sorry for your wickedness; not one of you has asked, ‘What have I done wrong?’ Each of you keep on going your own way, like a horse rushing into battle.
Jeremiah 8:6 GNB
What have I done wrong? Where have I deceived myself? Where have I not spoken truth?
I don’t believe the answers to these questions are subjective. I know that when we seek the Lord He is faithful to direct us. We will find Him when we seek with our whole heart. Our whole heart includes asking ourselves the tough question like, “What have I done wrong?”
Lord, I don’t want to deceive myself. Give me eyes to see how my own ways do not line up with Yours.