Endurance for the Journey, Featured

I am the man who has seen affliction
by the rod of his wrath.
He has driven me away and made me walk
in darkness rather than light;
LAMENTATIONS 3:1-2 (NIV)

Sometimes the excellence of a jewel can best be seen when viewed against a dark background. Such is the case with Lamentations. Despite the horror and the suffering and the fear and the stench of death, Jeremiah reached out in the darkness and laid hold of the one gem of truth he could still see: God does not cast off His people forever (though it may seem that way). He will show compassion. Why? Because that is the greatness of His unfailing love. (Lamentations 3:31-32)

I hope that is your own confidence! It may not seem to you that God cares. You look around and all you see is suffering and tears. You can’t understand why God does not act. You may have laid bitter complaints at God’s door.

Yet now is the time to reach out for the jewel that blazes even more brilliantly because of the dark backdrop of your circumstances. Though God may have allowed grief to invade your life for a little while He will show compassion. That is the greatness of His unfailing love – not only for Jeremiah but for you.

For men are not cast off
by the Lord forever.
Though he brings grief,
he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
LAMENTATIONS 3:31-32 (NIV)

On the journey with you,
Dave Dravecky