Today we're starting the book of Lamentations--a relatively short book that was written at a time when God's people hit bad times. They were taken off into captivity--just as God had prophesied. They rebelled against Him and the captivity was one of the consequences. In this passage, at least one of the writers called it correctly: "God has right on his side. I'm the one who did wrong..."
In the midst of lamenting the sadness of captivity, the God-inspired writer recognizes some amazing truths. Love this:
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering,
I keep a grip on hope:
God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.
God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.
It's a good thing when you're young
to stick it out through the hard times.
When life is heavy and hard to take,
When life is heavy and hard to take,
go off by yourself.
Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer.
Don't ask questions:
Wait
for hope to appear.
Don't run from trouble.
Take it full-face.
The "worst" is never the worst.
Why?
Why?
Because the Master won't
ever
walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly.
His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.
Tomorrow: Lamentations 3:37-5
