June 10, 2015: Lamentations 3:22-33

Lamentations 3:22-33

²²The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; ²³they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” ²⁵The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. ²⁶It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. ²⁷It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth, ²⁸to sit alone in silence when the Lord has imposed it, ²⁹to put one’s mouth to the dust (there may yet be hope), ³⁰to give one’s cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults.³¹For the Lord will not reject forever. ³²Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; ³³for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.

 Reflection:

                  During my short time working as a hospital chaplain I heard many people, in an attempt to comfort a loved one who was suffering, say things such as "This is all part of God's plan… We cannot question the will of God…God needed another angel." Less often I heard people say things like "Why would God punish me? This must be happening because of this event or action of mine in the past." While this line of thinking- that God doles out punishments for bad behavior- can give us an explanation for otherwise inexplicable events and misfortunes, the Bible tells us that God "does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone." (Lamentations 3:33). We may think that God brings us bad luck or pain when we fall short, but that is a human tendency, not a godly one. While we may crave vengeance or doom, God's love never ceases, even when disappointed, angry, or frustrated. We serve a loving God. This is why the author of Lamenations tells us that even when we are filled with insults, feeling beat up, and overburdened, there is hope. Our hope comes from that enduring love of God. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Questions:

1. How can I be a comforting presence to those around me who are struggling?

2. Where do I derive strength in difficult circumstances?

3. When is a time I have heard people blame God for accidents, misfortune, or illness? What is another way to understand God's role amidst tragedy?

Prayer:

Almighty God, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are tired, and empower all your children to proclaim your Good News at all times and in all places. Amen