“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;”
– Lamentations 3:21-22
The prophet Jeremiah loved God and suffered for it. He was hated and reviled by everyone around him because He spoke God’s word honestly. He also loved his city and his country and was in agony over their fate. He saw the destruction of Jerusalem firsthand, enduring its conquest by a cruel enemy. In all this, he understood that God’s will was being done. He knew better than anyone that Judah was suffering God’s wrath for their sin. Jeremiah knew that what he was watching wasn’t really a foreign invasion. It was the people of God receiving their well-deserved punishment from God for their sin.
Jeremiah’s life and ministry saw horror upon horror. People stubbornly refusing to repent of their sin. People starving under siege because they wouldn’t listen to Jeremiah. People suffering for rebellion after rebellion against both God and man. His entire ministry was a long season of sorrow. And yet… Jeremiah had hope.
Jeremiah had hope that wasn’t rooted in people suddenly changing heart or worldly fortunes being restored. His hope was in the person and presence of God. He knew that the Lord was unchanging, merciful, gracious, patient, loyal, loving, faithful, kind, just, righteous, and holy. He knew that God’s love would never end and that God’s mercy was coming.
Always remember this, especially when things are darkest. Remember this when things seem to be falling apart. Remember this when God’s wrath seems to be pouring out and stubborn nations are receiving what they deserve. Remember this when even God’s people are refuse to obey Him and act like Jesus. Remember this when those who proclaim the true words of Jesus are rejected for false prophecies and false teaching. Remember that God’s goodness, love, and mercy is greater than all that. His love for His true people will never end and His mercy is renewed each day. #FollowJesus