February 18
"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.' The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD." -Jeremiah in Lamentations 3:21-26 (NRSV)
February can be a challenging time with bitter weather and winter woes. It often brings flu season and extra expenses for heating oil, doctors, and unexpected challenges winter can create including frozen pipes and broken furnaces. Sometimes in threatening situations, we can all begin to lose hope. Jeremiah understood this well as he prophesied at a time of great instability and difficulty in Israel went war abounded, the economy was collapsing, and evil corrupt government officials pursued him trying to take his life. It was in such a time that he wrote his book of Lamentations that still brings wisdom and hope to each one of us thousands of years later. It is indeed a book for our times!
It is a terrible thing to live without hope. The emptiness and sense of failure it bring leaves us desolate and without energy or will to hang on. When we give up hope, tragedy usually follows and the dark side can close in permanently. Are you dealing with any situations this February that might make you feel hopeless? If so, take Jeremiah's advice and wait for the Lord. With patience and prayer, God will raise you up to do your best. He will either grant you the wisdom to solve what may seem unsolvable; OR God will correct your difficulties and bring good out of the bad in your life. In the meantime, stand on God's promise through Jeremiah that "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning." Rest assured that God is faithful indeed! He will never abandon or forsake you! Remember the bible also says “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Rm.8:28)
Prayer: God, Strengthen me with hope to wait for you. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God's steadfast love for me never stops.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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