For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men.
Lamentations 3:31-33
Father God, often as I look at what I am going through I have this feeling that I have so displeased You that You have not only cast me off, but are beating me into submission. As I wallow in my spiritual corner my heart cries out, “Why are You doing this to me? Why are You allowing this to happen to me?” I know You love me. Over and over again I rehearse in my mind the Scriptures that remind me of that fact. Yet, I must confess that often what I am going through is heavier than what I believe I can bear in the moment. And because You know everything, especially what is going on inside my head, I quickly jump to the conclusion that You really don’t care.
Then I come across a verse like today that reminds me that this pain will pass, this difficulty is only for a reason. You remind me that though You are causing grief in the moment that You will have compassion on me that will far exceed the trouble I am enduring because it will be dished out to me based upon how much You love. My soul cannot say anything else but wow! That, Father, is something I can grasp hold to and find great hope in! What settles and calms my soul the most is knowing that You do not afflict from Your heart, You don’t want to hurt me. You don’t want to grieve me. Yet, You are doing what is best for me. Knowing that it will not last and that You want what’s best for me, gives me what I need to get through.
I pray today for a mind and spirit that holds fast to this blessed hope, knowing that Your love is everlasting and never failing. Thank You for seeing me where I am and giving me what I need in the moment to get through. Amen.