Great Is Your Faithfulness

Great Is Your Faithfulness

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman

12-12-2013

"Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord" (Lamentations 2:19).

Recently I was playing Bible Challenge, a Bible trivia game, with some friends. My partner and I got the question "Who is the author of Lamentations?" My partner shouted out "Jeremiah!" I thought it was someone else, but she spoke with such conviction, I went with her answer. It turns out she was right.

My friend laughed and said, "You know you're bad off when you're looking for comfort in the book of Lamentations!" She had been walking through three years of medical challenges and felt like she was still no closer to resolve than when she started her journey. At times she has been discouraged to the point of despair and felt totally abandoned by a God she knows loves her. And yet in the midst of all of it she found comfort in Jeremiah's words in Lamentations 3.

"He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed He has turned His hand against me again and again, all day long. He has made my skin and my flesh grow old... Even when I call out or cry for help He shuts out my prayer... I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, "my splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord." I remember my affliction and my wandering... I well remember them and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions NEVER fail. They are new every morning; GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.'" (emphasis mine).

If you are at the point of despair, do what Jeremiah did and pour out your heart to God. And then call to your mind the fact that GREAT is God's faithfulness. He has not abandoned you and He loves you. Don't allow Satan to deceive you to think anything else. God will be faithful in your life.

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Today's Prayer

Heavenly Father, You know my heart and my heartaches. You have showered me with blessings and carried me through the valley of pain and sadness. Thank you for the godly influence of special people in my life. Thank you for those who pray for and encourage me. I even thank you for the hard times and trials I have been through, for they have strengthened my faith. I praise you for giving me a spirit of hope, love, and acceptance, rather than allowing me to become angry, bitter, and downcast. I praise you God, from whom all blessings flow. May I, in return, be a blessing to you.

 In Jesus' name, amen.

O Come All Ye Faithful - Celtic Woman