In the past weeks and months, we have learned of at least two other dear friends who have been diagnosed with the dreaded Cancer and other illnesses. We have heard of folks who have lost loved ones. We have again endured more hope followed by shattered dreams in the work place. We have watched loved ones walk difficult relationship roads. We watch families continue to rebuild almost a year post Harvey. And I am preparing once again to enter MDA for a three-week trial in hope of once again of reaching remission. Life is just hard sometimes.
This morning, my reading took me to Lamentations 3 where Jeremiah is lamenting his and his nation’s afflictions. It sounds worse than anything any of us have been going through here, but, of course, I guess it’s all relative.
“I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the LORD’s wrath.
He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light;
indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long.
He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones.
He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.
He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead.
He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains.
Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer.
He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked.
Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding,
he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help.
He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows.
He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver.
I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long.
He has filled me with bitter herbs and given me gall to drink.
He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust.
I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.
So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.”
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.”
Lamentations 3:1-20
How many times have we felt like Jeremiah? I remember when Isaiah felt very much like this. When David did. When I did. When those close to me have. But God!
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”
Lamentations 3:21-26
I do have to say that the rest of the chapter continues with more suffering but also with the faithfulness and compassion of God. So what should we do?
“And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:2
“Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Psalm 55:22
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15
Let your light shine bright!
“Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.”
Psalm 112:4
“For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.”
Psalm 18:28
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Walk as children of light.”
Ephesians 5:8
“You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”
Lamentations 3:57
Praying for His Light to light up your darkness, show you the way, or just be a beacon on the hill to give you encouragement.
