Hope Despite Hell

9.10.2010

Lamentation 3:21 21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope... ESV

These days there seems to be a lot happening in the world around us that would cause us to get discouraged and depressed. Iran is on the war path; our own government is spending us into financial oblivion. There are oil spills, Qu’ran burnings, hurricanes, murder and mayhem, fraud and corruption, foreclosures, and yes, the home team loses… I wonder how many of our personal lives mirror the chaos that is taking place in the world.

It’s easy to believe that God may have gone on vacation when our lives enter a train-wreck season. It’s easy to become bitter and angry when, on top of everything going on, we get the news from the doctor we don’t want to hear; or the note from our spouse saying, it’s over; or the phone call from the police that Billy is in custody and could we come down to the station…

Jeremiah watched as his country collapsed. Jeremiah watched as pagans invaded his city, his country, and his church committing brutal acts of violence. Jeremiah watched the tragic response of his countrymen; and Jeremiah knew that the Lord allowed it all to happen. There is indeed much to be depressed about these days…

But I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope – God hasn’t forgotten, and God never does anything in my life or yours without love, mercy, and redemption in His mind or on His heart. What happens to us may not necessarily be our fault but God can use whatever it is for our benefit and growth regardless. It’s hard to stand by and watch it all go to crap but the best way to fight the difficulty of it all is to remember that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases and …know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Ro 8:28)

Father in Heaven,

You never promised there wouldn’t be the worst of times – unspeakable cruelties, cannibalism, and people acting out of dreadful desperation because of their situation, and doing things unimaginable as a result. But even in the midst of all that, You promise that there is hope and good and a future. May I rejoice today in Your goodness and presence, and may I call to mind that no matter, You are with me and I am to remain with You. Help me to do just that – amen.