We usually expect words of praise about God’s greatness to follow some great event, some huge healing, or some amazing providence in our lives. So, what blessing do you think Jeremiah had just received to lead him to these words of praise?
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 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.” (Lamentations 3:21-23)
It’s true … praise should and often do follow such times of blessings. But in this verse, Jeremiah sings this praise song right in the middle of deep grief and despair. In the previous three chapters, Jeremiah has been describing the reality of pain, grief, sorrow, and God’s punishment for sins. In fact, in the very verse before his praise song he says, “The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss.” (Lamentations 3:19-20)
Yet it is right after these words that Jeremiah then lifts up a shout of praise. How can he do this? Because his heart isn’t empty. It is full of Hope. In the midst of such pain, he says, “I HAVE HOPE!”
True hope isn’t simply based on positive thinking. True hope is anchored in the knowledge of who the Lord is and His faithfulness. Jeremiah believes that, regardless of all the suffering he is experiencing, Jesus is more than enough to sustain him and see him through. As Jeremiah opens his eyes to a new day, He trusts that His salvation is only a day away.
Look at verses 24-26: “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.”
A new year teaches and helps us to practice this hopeful waiting for Jesus to come back for us. We do not wait empty hearted. We wait with hearts full of hope in Him! So, Follow Jesus, Be Changed by Jesus, and in your commitment to His mission — wait with hopeful hearts.
Prayer
Lord, I trust in Your promises and I wait with hope in my heart. Glorious is Your Name, and wonderful are the blessings You grant each day! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
