Friday
This is the recording of Jeremiah’s sorrow at seeing Jerusalem destroyed. It is a book of grief.
“Arise, cry out in the night… pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord.” (2:19). Within its verses is a faith so deep, so profound. These verses seem to be filled with eyewitness details of the horrors and the questions that were asked during the siege and its aftermath. The poet wants to help the people face their unbearable pain. As we read these verses we need to ask ourselves why did this suffering come about and what will it mean for Israel and their relationship with God? And ultimately the question comes back to us, how will we face hardships and endure through unbearable pain?
We sing a song in our church that says, “You never let go, through the calm and through the storm, oh no, You never let go.” I believe this with all my heart. Jesus also says something similar in the gospel of John (10:27-28, italics mine). “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
When you are going through a tough time remember this verse, and know that God will never let go.
Hanging in and hanging on
Pastor Kathy