SCRIPTURE
"Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! I say: The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him." (Lamentations 3:21-24)
OBSERVATION
In Lamentations Jeremiah laments about his circumstances. He has seen affliction, dwelt in darkness, forgotten what happiness is, has become a laughingstock, and is depressed from remembering all of the above. He laments about God. He is a bear in ambush, a lion in hiding, he rejects Jeremiah's prayers, and has turned his hand against him.
In the midst of all that is going on, Jeremiah utters a great theological word, "yet." It's the word that turns the table on the circumstances, because whatever happens God is still God. It's as if to say: "Do you see all these terrible things. Nevertheless, think about who God is and you will find hope." The mere fact that we are able to get up in the morning and lament over our circumstances is evidence of God's faithfulness. It's a choice we make as to where we focus (call to mind). We can allow circumstances to fill our days or we can allow God to be our portion. Life can dish it out but only God can fill it up.
APPLICATION
I need to continually call to mind the "yet." The "yet" that says God has the final word. No matter what happens. No matter what I have to mourn, grieve, or bewail...yet, God is faithful. The fact that I'm alive to lament is a sign of God's mercy. No matter what the world serves up..."yet", God is my portion and tomorrow I'll have a second helping.
PRAYER
God, each day you reveal yourself anew. You are the God of faithful love, mercy, and hope.
