Author: astherainandsnow

“And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ And Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.^’ And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ And the blind man said to him, ‘Rabbi, let me recover my sight.^’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.” Mark 10:46-52

The noisy buzz became clamor, the gentle distant rhythm a thundering on the ground as a crowd approached where the blind man sat. But this day was different. He’d heard the Teacher was among them. Rather than beg for a donation as he’d always done, he cried out for Jesus, distinct among men and name above all names, and asked that He’d have mercy on him. Jesus called back.

A great concert of faith wells up when our deepest cries meet the Lord’s awakening of our spirit. Our very recognition of who He is comes by His prompting, and when that swells to specific asking for Him to do according to specific power, there breaks forth a lovely crescendo of will. The cry and the call blend in unison to heal and sanctify and magnify glory.

Is my begging among men and for temporal insignificances, or do I daily assess deeper soul needs and beseech my God? Do frenzied internet searching or satisfaction with cursory conversations reveal the emptiness of a pauper? What would change in my temperament, my outlook, my vitality, if I sought for meaning in the One who created it, and me for it?

Once He realigns soul direction, where is God uniquely calling us to respond in faith according to a particular gift or offering? Do we listen keenly enough in the cacaphony of worldliness to recognize His voice, and quickly spring up in answer to His offered mercy?

“If thou but suffer God to guide thee, 
and hope in God through all thy ways, 
God will give strength, whate’er betide thee, 
and bear thee through the evil days.  
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love 
builds on the rock that naught can move. 

Only be still, and wait God’s leisure 
in cheerful hope, with heart content 
to take whate’er thy Maker’s pleasure 
and all-discerning love hath sent; 
we know our inmost wants are known, 
for we are called to be God’s own. 

Sing, pray, and keep God’s ways unswerving; 
so do thine own part faithfully, 
and trust God’s word; though undeserving, 
thou yet shalt find it true for thee.  
God never yet forsook at need 
the soul that trusted God indeed.” ~Georg Neumark (1641) 

Father, so blend our voices that the world hears and sees only You.

“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit… All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-8,11-13

“By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:3-8

God not only makes, but assigns and arranges His people with certain gifts for His purposes. He orders families, churches, communities at specific seasons and places to achieve a number of coincidental plans for individual and communal benefit. And He designs variations of personality traits to accompany the expression of each measure of grace. Variety is His sacred spice of robust life in Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:14-27)

As He wills. Why do we have such problems with His choices? Given through the Spirit. Though all one in Spirit, and all part of the same organic supernatural body, we tend to like variety until we don’t. In one Spirit. We’re fond of those with winsome demeanor, but can chafe at those who are contrary. God has assigned. We confer with the agreeable and supportive, but can resist or avoid those who would challenge or refine. According to grace given. We prefer to pick our place and people and dismiss what and whom we disagree with, or don’t like. One body in Christ.

Change in attitude can happen when we believe these words. If our minds are set on what we think and want, what feels good and causes no friction, we’ll go through life as limp spiritual appendages. But if we take to heart what God says is true, that members of all varieties make vital contribution to us and to His Body at work in the world, we’ll enjoy harmony and fruitfulness.

Which will it be? How can I welcome and foster variety in my relationships and work, both secular and sacred? How can I more practically seek the Body’s good over my own?

Lord, enable me to serve fully as You designed and intend, for common good and Your uncommon glory.

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

‘For who has known the mind of the Lord,
    or who has been his counselor?’
‘Or who has given a gift to him
    that he might be repaid?’

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36

“Behold, God is exalted in his power;
    who is a teacher like him?
Who has prescribed for him his way?..

“Remember to extol his work,
    of which men have sung.
All mankind has looked on it;
    man beholds it from afar.
Behold, God is great, and we know him not;
    the number of his years is unsearchable.” Job 36:22-26

“Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord,
    or what man shows him his counsel?” Isaiah 40:13

“Who is like me? Who will summon me? What shepherd can stand before me?” Jeremiah 50:44

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

There is nothing like considering the Almighty to put man in his place, nor His ways to correct a man’s intentions or redirect a man’s plans. The mighty David knew from his young days as a shepherd that his Lord held glory above the heavens. His son Solomon knew in his vast wisdom that the highest heavens could not contain Him. The scriptures reveal over and over the inscrutable, indescribable, immeasurable ways of the One who was, is, and always will be. (Psalm 8:1-6; 1 Kings 4:29-34; 8:27; 10:1-9; Revelation 1:8)

If we know God’s ways are perfect, we can embrace His every providence. We can receive what flows to us through His sovereign hands, whether by allowance or orchestration, as redemptive and sanctifying. We can accept the order He implements in our days and years as good. We can trust His interruptions as purposeful. We can expectantly seek His directions and trust His eternal purposes. As His ways are without fault, so are His timing, gifting, providing, and withholding. His righteousness, justice, and holiness are infinite and unchanging. His love exceeds the heavens, His faithfulness the skies. (2 Samuel 22:31; Psalm 18:30; 36:5; 108:4)

Do we want to be fortified by these certainties? Are we plumbing the riches, wisdom, and knowledge of God? How? When? It doesn’t just happen at the snap of desire. What plan are we implementing? What specific time do we guard, what niggling distractions set aside, to dive deep in discovery and wonder of all He is and does? How consistently, systematically, and thoroughly do we read the Word? (Proverbs 2:1-11; Jeremiah 29:12-13)

Is there a friend with whom we could be accountable in study and memorization? In what regular community are we participating that lifts our sights and elevates conversation? Whom are we encouraging to know and marvel at God’s inscrutable deeds? How are we communicating, in word or action, what we learn and love about Him? (Psalm 34:1-3)

Lord, cause me daily to stop and consider Your wondrous works, and respond with vitality in praise, gratitude, selflessness, and joy, to Your highest honor. (Job 37:14; Romans 12:11)

“The Amalekites had made a raid… They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire  and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great… And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. Then David and the people raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. David’s two wives also had been taken captive… And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God…

“And David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I pursue after this band?’ He answered him, ‘Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.’ So David set out… 

“[The Amalekites] were spread abroad over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing, because of all the great spoil they had taken from the land of the Philistines and of Judah. And David struck them down… David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all. David also captured all the flocks and herds…

“David said, ‘[T]he Lord has given us [spoil and] preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us.'” 1 Samuel 30:1-2a,3-6,8-9a,16-19a,23

David the warrior was fueled by passion: love for his people and a gripping sense of justice. He would not forsake those whom and what belonged to him, and gave his all to rescue them from captivity. He went at God’s direction and triumphed in His strength, and restored everyone and everything to right relationships. His righteous motive and inspired skill are palpable and powerful.

And so it is with our Lord Jesus. Fully understanding the wiles of the enemy and helplessness of man’s captivity, He set out to earth to rescue His own. Driven by single intent, He gave His all that we might be restored to a right relationship with Him and be supplied with all we need to live for Him. (Luke 9:51; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 3:16)

Do we recognize and give thanks for this passion of the Lover of our souls? If so, do we share it for the lost? Are we even informed enough to grasp the magnitude of those suffering in physical, spiritual, and national captivity? Does it distress us, or are we too narrow in our sympathies to care? Do we genuinely mourn and pray, or are we too prejudiced to value those different or distant from us?

If we confess the sins of indifference, self-righteousness, and wayward passions, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us and give us a new heart. How will we determine to develop a mindset and heart-set to be more like His? (Ezekiel 36:25-26; 1 John 1:9)

Lord, give me holy passion. Teach me to love what and whom You love, and to expend myself for You and Your eternal, redemptive purposes and glory.

“As a deer pants for flowing streams,
    so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
    for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
    ‘Where is your God?’
These things I remember,
    as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
    and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
    a multitude keeping festival.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.

My soul is cast down within me;
    therefore I remember you…
Deep calls to deep
    at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
    have gone over me.
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,
    and at night his song is with me,
    a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock:
    ‘Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
    because of the oppression of the enemy?’
As with a deadly wound in my bones,
    my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long,
    ‘Where is your God?’

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.”

“Send out your light and your truth;
    let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
    and to your dwelling!
Then I will go to the altar of God,
    to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
    O God, my God.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.” Psalm 42:1-11; 43:3-5

The openness of raw emotion pours out like the streams described, flowing with agony and honesty over rocks of disappointment, betrayal, pain. Desperate longing desperately seeks relief, comfort, resolution in the presence of God. And that turmoil meets rest, and hope, in His salvation.

God never promised only upcast life. The world thinks differently, claiming rights and assigning wrongs to ‘a God who would cause suffering.’ It was the beautiful downcast Savior, the Man of Sorrows forsaken and crucified, who won the very salvation that gives hope to the troubled. The way of suffering is the way of rejoicing, and the process that fuses them is honest pouring out that opens the way for heavenly pouring in. (Isaiah 53:3-5)

Have tears been our recent food? Where are we thirsting for relief or comfort? Are we panting for an explanation of circumstances, a clear way forward, or out? Would we pour out our hearts to the living God, whose steadfast love and song surround us night and day? Would we voice our dirge to attune to His rightful praise? Would we allow the deep waters to bear us up to His light, trusting and praising Him as a very present help and hope? (Psalm 46:1-3)

Lord, may I ever sing to Thee, knowing that as You hear You uphold with love, grace, and certain hope.

“Concerning food offered to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ This ‘knowledge’ puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know…

“Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that ‘an idol has no real existence,’ and that ‘there is no God but one.’ For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth- there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’- for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

“However, not all possess this knowledge. Some… eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I… understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing…

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 8:1-2,4,7-13; 13:1-2,4-7

The more we understand the magnitude of God’s grace, the better we understand true freedom in Christ. But imparting that to others is His work. Our choice of arrogance or love can affect their spiritual development.

Filled with knowledge of grace, our tendency may be to preach it, even flaunt it. But swaggering in confidence because we know best, without thought for another’s background or perception, can distort true freedom. Our puffery may block the Spirit’s conviction for ourselves, and unwittingly confuse and upend those weak in faith we hope to influence. Knowledge that trumps love does more harm than good.

But what if we first put on love? What if we dedicated ourselves to understand others, and honed patience, kindness, self-control? If the righteousness of God infused our knowledge and exercised freedom, how could it be used to build up, enrich, and bless? With whom might thoughtful, compassionate behavior- foregoing or participating in a pleasure- spread grace and encouragement, unveil a deeper grasp of God, and promote spiritual maturity? (1 Corinthians 10:23-24,31-33)

Father, may I do all things in love, humbly exemplifying You wherever I am. (1 Corinthians 16:14)

“Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:1-8

Paul, of all people quite naturally capable, knew what it was to be both called and supplied. Purpose and deep sanctifying had come to him by God’s grace and with His peace. He yearned for his young churches to know that with heavenly calling comes equipping, both spiritual and practical. God’s children are saints, servants and stewards of His manifold graces, and required to be trustworthy. (Acts 22:3; 1 Corinthians 4:1; Philippians 3:4-6)

Really, saints? Yes! And with responsibility! We who’ve called on the Lord Jesus in response to His calling us are to exercise our gifts, cooperate with sanctification, and call others. He enriches our speech and knowledge to inspire and confirm clear testimony of His presence in our lives.

And He’s faithful to supply what we need. Sometimes His equipping is in spite of us, to magnify His power and grace. He assigns certain duties, our responsibility peculiar and personal. We are to take care as we carry them out to remain tied to Him. (1 Corinthians 1:17,24,26-31; 2:4-5; 3:10)

Sometimes His sustaining tests our faith, so we work and serve and minister in His strength alone. Try as we might to muster energy or effort, we falter only to learn that His strength is perfected in weakness, it is His resurrection life in us that infuses divine power. (2 Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 2:20)

Where is the Lord calling us to be and serve in His name? Are we flagging in spiritual hunger or desire? What refrains of inability, uselessness, or failure do we repeat that hinder us from following? Where do we exert and exhaust self-effort apart from reliance on His gracious sustenance? What new and deliberate dependence on Him, what practices, what fresh willingness could motivate and effect a vibrant, fruitful witness?

For every lack the Lord supplies, every weakness He supports, every hunger He feeds, every dearth He enables. Indeed He who calls is faithful. Will we trust Him? (1 Thessalonians 5:24; James 1:5)

Lord, grant me daily the mind of Christ that I may know and follow the Spirit’s direction and minister in the flow of Your secret, hidden, ageless, life-altering wisdom. All growth and glory be Yours. (1 Corinthians 2:7,10,13,16; 3:5-7)

“And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet…, And he said, ‘Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.^” And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house…’”

“The Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness in the heat of my spirit, the hand of the Lord being strong upon me… And I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days.” Ezekiel 2:2-7; 3:14,15b

Imagine being given a specific assignment that involves antagonism, ridicule, and rejection, then being told it would not even succeed. Imagine the consternation, the questioning why, the visceral resistance to ineffective, wasted effort. Imagine the dread of loneliness, ostracism, and vitriol. Ezekiel knew all these, and was overwhelmed. Then imagine the hidden, serene soul delight of obedience, the Spirit’s sustaining, and intimacy with the Lord. God placed on His prophet great accountability, then met him with His word, His glory, and His enabling Spirit. (Ezekiel 3:16-24a,27)

It may be our penchant to ask why, to prefer our own tidy plans, to avoid conflict, opposition and failure. But God’s ways are far beyond ours, reaching inner depths and higher boundaries than we even surmise. His purposes transcend human definitions of success and goodness. When we choose to trust Him and not the particulars of any assignment, we are free to follow with confidence in His promises. No matter the human reaction or earthly outcome, we can know that He is working a glory beyond what we could imagine. (1 Samuel 16:7; Isaiah 55:8-9; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

God’s intent is that He be known and revered, and His word be honored. He knows that ease and lack of friction produce selfishness and provincial thinking. He disdains pride and idolatry and will not stand for rebellion. He always succeeds in His plans. (Job 42:2; Isaiah 46:10; Ezekiel 6:5-10)

Where are we frustrated with incessant opposition? Where are we clambered with painful rejection, repeated closed doors, nagging doubt about a path forward?

Are there facets to God’s character we have seen anew, joys in His palpable presence, skills we have learned in the wearying practice? What rough edges has He smoothed, fiesty impatience is He taming? Who has heard our message of truth or testimony to His faithfulness who might later come to accept it and be saved forever?

Lord, keep me faithful to Your commands, no matter the earthly outcome. Help me trust, love, and honor You above all.

“For the Lord is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face.”

“You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.”

“Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
the upright shall dwell in your presence.” Psalm 11:7; 16:11; 17:15; 140:13

“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” Revelation 22:4

Morning entered like a silent queen, resplendent in her grace and beauty, bringing every admirer to bow. Not a sound save for the lone hawk call, then whisper-whick-whinging close by, occasional twittering starlings, and distant clanking sheep bells as fluffy ones found early breakfast. It was the light that captured the gaze, radiant through clear air, and trees. A hint of holy heaven? (Exodus 3:1-6; 33:11,18; 34:29; Acts 9:3-5)

There are times and places we glimpse the radiance of God’s splendor on His earth or in His heavens, and our breath catches. His glory is reflected in all He has made to reveal His greatness, cause us to consider ourselves made in His image, and awaken praise. When we gaze at the glory and consider Him behind it, they pluck at heart strings in a melodious sense of longing for our eternal destiny. We shall see Him! (Psalm 8:5-6; 19:1-2; Romans 1:19)

Our sights are daily filled with movement, color, messages, and urgencies. Unless we decide to set apart time and space, and close off mental or practical distractions, we will fail to delight in the excellencies the Lord has placed all around. When we are still enough to seek Him, and implement margin in our schedules of all we deem important, we will find every kind of nourishment in the beauty, hope, and longing His glories awaken.

Do we look up often enough to taste and see the glory? Is our tempo of life so fast, our focus so stubbornly set, our schedule so frenzily filled that we never pause and take time to wonder? When we assess at the end of the day, have we spent any time on what lasts and nurtures the soul? (Psalm 34:8)

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.” ~Walter C. Smith (1867)

Lord of Light and glory, in all that occupies my vision here below, let me see and long for You, with expectancy, gratitude, and praise.

“I am the man who has seen affliction
under the rod of his wrath;
he has driven and brought me
into darkness without any light;
surely against me he turns his hand
again and again the whole day long.

He has made my flesh and my skin waste away;
he has broken my bones;
he has besieged and enveloped me
with bitterness and tribulation;
he has made me dwell in darkness
like the dead of long ago…

My soul is bereft of peace;
I have forgotten what happiness is;
so I say, ‘My endurance has perished;
so has my hope from the Lord.’

Remember my affliction and my wanderings,
the wormwood and the gall!
My soul continually remembers it
and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:

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.’

The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord…

For the Lord will not
cast off forever,
but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion
according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
for he does not afflict from his heart
or grieve the children of men…

Who has spoken and it came to pass,
unless the Lord has commanded it?
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High
that good and bad come?..

Let us… return to the Lord!
Let us lift up our hearts and hands
to God in heaven

I called on your name, O Lord,
from the depths of the pit…

You have taken up my cause, O Lord;
you have redeemed my life.” Lamentations 3:1-6,17-26,31-33,37-38,40-41,55,58

In the midst of affliction, suffering weighs heavy and prospects are dim. But the prophet was in constant communion with the Lover of his soul, and there he found hope in hopelessness, mercy in misery. No bitterness could outweigh the sweetness of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Though tribulation was great, his God was greater still, and he knew this best in the crushing.

God does not willingly afflict or grieve, but He does purposely show compassion and bring revival. It’s the nurturing of grapes that fosters robust flavor, and the crushing that yields rich wine. Christ Himself was crushed for us, carrying and putting to death our curse, His blood effecting the richest mercy and cleansing. When we are cast down, we can hope in His victory and constant love. (Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 1:18-19)

When faced with life’s darkness, what comes to mind? Are we expectant for the promise of morning light? When we remember the load of trouble, would we also remember the weightier mercy and care? When we know His goodness, and that He is our sustaining portion, we can hope through the matching goodness of bearing up and waiting. We can lift our hearts and hands because He lifts us from the pit.

Lord, may I ever call to mind Your abundant goodness and grace, by which I hope and give you glory.