“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” Lamentations 3:21-26 (KJV)
Jeremiah languished in his melancholy. He had preached the truth to God’s people and no one believed. His ministry was going nowhere fast. His reputation had reached an all time low. Jeremiah was lamenting the national rejection of Jehovah and Jehovah-worship. Then an amazing thing happened. From the depths of his personal agony, Jeremiah’s soul spoke to him, “Jehovah is my inheritance. He has shared a portion of himself with me. So, I’m gonna hope in him!” This flicker of hope became a flood of recollection as Jeremiah’s soul reminded him of his hope in God.
God’s mercies protects us from the consuming flames of life issues. What hope! God’s compassion never fails us. What hope! New mercy every morning. New compassion every morning. In other words, when the sun comes up each day, his mercy and compassion resets for his people. What hope! As it pertains to us, His faithfulness is awesome. What hope!
God is good to the patient soul that seeks him! In this fast-paced world of instant gratification, patience is not a popular concept. The Lord, our God and Savior, however, will not be rushed. “Come unto me . . . take my yoke upon you, and learn of me . . . ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Mt. 11:28-29) In this rush-rush society, we have confidence that our God will sustain us as we slow down and patiently seek his plan and purpose for us. It is a good thing for you and me to “both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.”
Dear Father, forgive us our impatient demands. Empower us with patience to identify and pursue your will for our lives. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in our faithful God,
