Scripture: Lamentation 3:20-24
My soul continually thinks of it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 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.”
Thought for the Day: I should probably just allow this passage to speak for itself as it is rich and powerful, yet let me point out how the author believes God is the source of all his problems and troubles. Earlier in the chapter, the author speaks of being under God’s rod, like a child being punished. Could it be that the struggles and pain experienced are nothing more than the consequences of our actions or the sinful choices of others? A friend of mine was serving as a chaplain in a hospital where they saw a lot of gun violence, and he made the observation that many family members would hear the news of their loved one dying and they would say, “What have I done that God would punish me this way?” Do you really believe God was punishing the parents or siblings? Or was God the one who was fully present in the hospital room, allowing the steadfast love of the Lord to bring healing and newness every morning.
Prayer: My soul continues to bow down before you, my Lord. May your mercies never cease and may they greet me anew each day. Amen.
PRAYING FOR OUR TRADITIONAL CHOIR
AS THEY HEAD FOR PRAGUE THIS WEEK
