The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”                                              

Lamentations 3:22-24

Hope

Lamentations is Jeremiah’s devastating story; he shed tears, grieving deeply over the destruction of Jerusalem. But “plopped” right in the middle of the book are these words of hope. These verses have given me hope, and yes, even joy, in the middle of my life. When my husband and father of our 6 children died, it left a huge hole in our hearts. It disrupted future plans of the children, we felt empty, melting, lonely, confused, overwhelmed and ran out of tears. Our faith was strong but shaken, and even doubt knocked on our door at times.

But thanks be to God for keeping His promise: to always be with us. Faith and hope  allowed us to move forward. There was forgiveness at the end of the day when I failed; and fresh Hope every morning; hope that brought peace and clarity; clarity to again find joy in the simple things, the garden, the snow, the rain, the sun and the moon and the stars at night! Prayers were answered as job opportunities surfaced, as goals were reached, and all of my children graduated from college and were supporting themselves. I was ready to set new goals for myself, sell our family home, and move on after 40 years in one place. It was a leap of faith. I couldn’t have accomplished it without the Lord’s guidance and promise, “I am with you always”. As I age, hope follows me! Through Christ’s death and resurrection, I believe we generously receive these beautiful gifts of love, faith and hope.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Each day we thank you for your love, your understanding, your grace, even when we feel undeserving. Show us our gifts and abilities, and help us to willingly share them in unexpected opportunities; one day at a time. In your precious name we pray. Amen.