Message from Scripture: 12/01/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today comes from Lam. 3:22-24: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.'”

 

The book of Lamentations is believed to have been written by Jeremiah. Called the “weeping prophet,” he was greatly saddened by the message of destruction God gave him regarding Jerusalem for its sins. He was opposed and oppressed for its preaching, but the actual destruction brought grief beyond grief to him. He would write, “He has also broken my teeth with gravel, and covered me with ashes. You have moved my soul far from peace; I have forgotten prosperity” (Lam. 3:16-17). It truly was a demoralizing experience to face the aftermath of God’s judgment on His people for their sins.

 

Jeremiah, however, knew that, even though times were difficult, God’s promises were still true. God’s love is steadfast, never ceasing. His mercy was still theirs, and continued from one day to the next. Even though he felt hopeless, Jeremiah knew there was still hope in God, who would bless them again if they returned to Him. God was his portion, his part, his way of life. Even in the midst of such pain, Jeremiah would never let go of God.

 

We all have our trials and difficulties through life. Some might be traced to our decisions, others may be the result of sin, or what living in a sinful world brings. Such trials should drive us closer to God, as Paul’s thorn in the flesh did for him (2 Cor. 12:9-10). We remember the promise of Jesus that if we seek God and His kingdom first in our lives, then He will provide. We also know that, while today can be hard, there is a time when the trials of life will be no more. Today, let’s not forget where our priorities should lie, and what comes when we remain true to the Lord, no matter what. His hope is for today, and His promises for eternity. God bless.

 

Robert