Hello everybody, Tim Montoya here with some thoughts for today. I was here thinking about the latest news that the world and our country may be in for a longer time of testing health-wise physically, mentally, economically, socially, etc.… In a time that could seem hopeless I know that the Spirit of our God tells us that He is our hope in times of denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, acceptance and meaning. Meaning in suffering can be found in the words of Lamentations.

The lamenter poured out his heart of pain and loss in Lamentations. He and his people had experience horrible losses and he speaks it very specifically throughout the book. In the middle of his lament he writes.

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.”  Lamentations 3:22-24

In chapters 1-2 he laments to fall of the beloved city of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel, “For the Lord has caused her grief because of the multitude of her transgressions.”

                                                                                                               Lamentations 1:5

• Perhaps the lamenter considers that God laments as well.
• God laments for us, because of us and with us. I think about how God created us in His image. He understands lament because he designed us with that component.
• Lamenting and finding meaning in the lament come from Him.
• Perhaps that is what the lamenter is communicating to us in his writings.
• He confessed his and his nations national sins in lament and he focused his thoughts on God’s steadfast love, God’s never ending mercies, His great faithfulness to us and the Hope that is in us through His Holy Spirit who inspired this lament for our instruction, and Who renews our minds every morning.
• That is why we should sing this verse every morning and throughout the day.

-Ask yourself, “What is my most anxious thought right now? Write it down and bring it to the Lord in prayer.

Take some time to breath 3 cleansing breaths, be silent for a few minutes

God says, “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him. To the person who seeks Him. It is good that he/she waits silently for the salvation of the Lord.”

                                                                                                           Lamentations 3:25-26

It always comes down to connecting to Him in thoughtful and thankful prayers

Remember our Father in Heaven promises you.

“So, do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I will make you strong and help you. I will hold you safe in My hands. I always do what is right.” Isaiah 41:10

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in ME you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome this world.” John 16:33

May the Lord bless you; May the Lord protect you; May He shine His face upon you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord smile on you and give you Peace.