“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:22-23, 25-26
Before the verses you see above, the writer says he is quite sure God is punishing him for something! He says God has turned against him, waits like a lion to pounce, has bent his bow ready to shoot, and has cracked his teeth with gravel! (Books like Lamentations convince me God knows how to relate with real people with real problems!)
I have felt the same at times, and when I do, it’s easy to blame God for my ills. Perhaps God is using hardship to shape me, but maybe I just want an easy scapegoat for problems I created myself.
The bigger point here is the writer’s resolve: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
When you pray, do you rant and shake your fist at God? Or do you sit quietly, assured of his faithful renewal even amidst turmoil?
God, I admit that it’s so easy to think that You cause my grief. If I have displeased You, show me where, and help me choose otherwise. In the meantime, God, help me to rest in Your faithfulness and compassion which is new every morning. Amen.
Ask God to renew your hope and to be your strength amidst your challenges. Share with someone else how God is faithful despite your challenges.
By Bill Strom
Used by Permission
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