Devotion
I Have Hope
Frances Taylor
We don't often think about reading the Book of Lamentations. This passage, however, is one that we can all relate to at one time or another. My son died fourteen years ago and his burial plot is a very old one that had been in the family for over 80 years. He is buried in the front row of the cemetery and I drive by it almost every day and often several times a day. It's easy for me to remember the misery, the wormwood and the gall. I miss him and always will, but I have hope as does the writer of Lamentations because of God's loving kindness, and my faith in the promises of Christ that we will be reunited with Christ in eternity. My pain is mine and yours is yours, but there is no escaping suffering in life; and for some, hope is lost. There are those who will turn away from God for a time or permanently because they can't get past the anger, the pain or the hopelessness. The writer or writers of Lamentations knew pain. They had witnessed the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the murder or exile of so many of their countrymen and women. With all of that, they remembered the promises of God; the many times God had forgiven them and brought them back to their land. They had hope. When we are in pain, we, too, need to remember the times when God had been there in the past and believe that he will always be at our side to see us through the pain and bring us to hope.
Prayer
Lord, we will always have suffering in our lives. You didn't even spare your Son from the pain of a terrible death. Help us to remember that you will always be with us with your love and compassion. Amen.
Night Prayer
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Inspiration
We are curious about the last days, even though we understand the timing is only known to God. In the meantime, it is crucial that we remain alert and focused. Procrastination is dangerous; we must act now and keep our hearts prepared for Christ's return. We do this by living our lives according to God's will and inviting others to know Him. We will not be anxious! Instead, we will remain hopeful, carrying joy in our hearts at the thought of meeting our Savior face to face.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we are excited to meet You face to face and understand that there is much work to be done before Your return. We will remain hopeful and invite others to know You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.