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.” Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)
Some weeks are just tougher than others. This was one filled with both emotional and physical challenges. The memorial service for the husband of one of the employees at our club brought tears as I listened to the grief caused by suicide. A trip to the hospital to change out the battery for Mark’s ICD reminded me of the many hours sitting and waiting for the doctor’s “all clear.” The long awaited appointment for a shot in my hip in an attempt to relieve lingering pain occurred two days later. During these days and nights, the emotional upheaval of it all nagged at my spirit, which seems to happen when life appears out of control.
I’m sure Jeremiah wearied of the unending rant of Jerusalem’s destruction in those days of the Babylonian exile. God was not happy with those folks and reiterated it repeatedly. I was ready to just skip the chapters in Lamentations but firstborn that I am, I read it because of my commitment to read it all. But, if I had skipped those verses, I would have missed the words of encouragement inserted right in the middle of all the negativity. God had not forgotten His chosen people and He did not forget me this week. He knew about the grief, and fear, and frustration, and fatigue, and anger. He was there each morning with a new set of mercies to meet my needs. It came in the form of a phone call, or an email, crossing paths with a friend at the store, or just the right Bible verse. I don’t have to be frustrated when everything appears to be out of control; my hope is in Him who is always faithful.