Lamentations 3:21-24
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
In the midst of our pain and brokenness, it seems easiest to dwell on our failures. To wallow in our regret. To sink down into the pits of depression for fairytale dreams gone wrong. "But..." we don't have to stay there. "But..." there is a powerful antidote to our defeated thoughts. "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope..." What is the this that offers such hope?
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
God, in his Son Jesus, is our perfect mate. No matter how many times our anger, disappointment, selfishness-- our SIN-- becomes our driving force, His love is always there to take over the reins of our heart. We can never reach the limits of his love and mercy, because...
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
He is faithful. Jesus is our faithful spouse. He is the faithful spouse for which we always hoped. He is the forever faithful spouse we could never be. Each morning he imparts his grace for us to awake again to overflowing love, mercy, and faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.
Just as the writer of Lamentations proclaims, God is the aim of our hope. He offers all of Himself for us to gain our love, joy, and identity. He is our soul's unending, satiating portion from which we can drain endlessly. We will never reach the end of our Heavenly Father's resources, which gives us hope upon hope. For me and for you.
The secret to flourishing in difficult relationships is not to get your strength from those relationships, but from God. Hope in God. Look to God for the love and security and the joy that you long for. Then you will be able to have strength for others... ~John Piper
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