Lamentations 3The book of Lamentations is not for the faint of heart.  This short book chronicles the devastation of the nation of Israel after their apostasy from God.   Tucked away in the middle of the sadness and sorrow of this book is an amazing ray of hope,

This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.  The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.”  (Lamentations 3:21-24)

There are times in our lives when it seems like our world is falling apart. As Jeremiah penned these words He reflected upon God’s faithfulness. Despite the unbelievably horrific conditions he faced, he regained hope as he focused upon God.  The Hebrew word for “hope” has the idea of waiting with a confident expectation.

Perhaps you’re facing a challenging time, don’t lose sight of the fact that the Lord knows what you’re going through and He cares.   The theologian John Calvin wisely observed, “. . . hope is nothing else but the constancy of faith.”   We have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ!  Therefore you too can have hope.

 

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5