Something That Gives Me Hope

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-Your peace-Your knowledge and discernment. Build my trust. I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name...

Verse of the Day: 1 Peter 3:18

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Memory verse: Psalm 42:2(New American Bible )

"My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I enter and see the face of God?"

Today's reading: Ezekiel 1-2 Hebrews 11:1-19

Something That Gives Me Hope

Lamentations 3:21-25--there is something that gives me hope

(The Humbling)

Most of us have had a 'humbling'. I am not speaking of just an embarrassment-I speak of a time when, because of mistakes from bad choices or sin, all of our human strength has failed us and we are defeated.

The Book of Lamentations was written by the prophet Jeremiah before the fall of Jerusalem but speaks in past tense-as if it had already happened. It speaks of the final 'humbling' of Jerusalem-the judgement of God for the sin of the nation.

Lamentations 3: 17 I have been so deprived of peace,

"I have so forgotten what happiness is,

18 that I think, “My strength is gone,

and so is my hope in Adonai.”

19 Remember my utter misery,

the wormwood and the gall.

20 They are always on my mind;

this is why I am so depressed."

(The Hope)

Most all have heard reference to the verse that refers to God and says, "His mercies are new every morning". This is from Lamentations, chapter 3 just after the verses we just read.

21 "But in my mind I keep returning to something,

something that gives me hope —

22 that the grace of Adonai is not exhausted,

that his compassion has not ended.

23 [On the contrary,] they are new every morning!

How great your faithfulness!

24 “Adonai is all I have,” I say;

“therefore I will put my hope in him.

Many are always in some physical or emotional pain. Many are going through a 'humbling'.

Please know, the same God that supplied hope for Jeremiah over 2500 years ago still has grace and compassion that are new every morning. His invitation is always open:

"Come let us reason together."(Isaiah 1:18)

God always has hope for you.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

How great You are yet You share Your kingdom with us. I need Your power today. Forgive me my evil heart. Grant me Your grace to do Your work and lead me away from wickedness.

God of new morning grace,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen