Hope in the Midst of Pain

Lamentations 3:21-23

21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. 22 Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."
NKJV

Lamentations is a difficult book because of the images of suffering that fill its pages. Yet, in the very middle of Jeremiah's words of pain and suffering are words of hope. In fact, it is as if the prophet simply turns a corner in his mind and begins thinking of God's character and nature rather than his circumstances. It's at that moment where we read these words, "Therefore, I have hope."

In a broken world, hope can be hard to come by. Each day, we are face to face with tragedy, sickness and death, but it is within this reality of pain that God brings hope. This hope is not founded on our situation or ability; our hope is founded on God. How can we have hope in God? Because He is all powerful, all knowing, never-changing, and He loves us. This means that no matter the pain, God is there. No matter the difficulty, God is guiding us and using that difficulty for our good. If you find yourself in the middle of hard times, do not fear, because the maker of heaven and earth is with you. Draw close to Him, and He will help you to live in hope, not fear.

Life Lesson: In life, we should think more about how great God is and less about how great our troubles are.

Dear God,
I know that I can often lose sight of Your love while I'm in the middle of hard times. Help me to be mindful of Your love, mercy, compassion and strength so that I can endure and even rejoice in my pain. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live in hope. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Cross the Bridge crossthebridge.com