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Devotional 7.18.25

 

July 17, 2025 – Flip the Script

 

Lamentations 3:22-24: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

 

Scripture Reading – Psalm 79

 

Life in this world can be difficult. Tragedy, illness, sin, seasons of many kinds of suffering can lead us to despair. But as believers, children of God, we have hope even in the darkest of days.

 

Lamentations is widely believed to have been written by the prophet Jeremiah who was witness to the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple by the Babylonians. God used the Babylonians to bring judgement to the nation of Israel for their rebellion and unrepentant sin. However, the prophet also knew that God was a covenantal God, one who would keep his promises despite the devastation at hand. Thus, the hopeful words of praise in 3:22-24.

 

Jeremiah speaks of the steadfast love of the LORD that never ceases (v. 22). The Hebrew word here is chesed which is an attribute of grace. It translates to loving kindness, emphasizing generosity towards others, to go beyond what is required. God’s chesed love, faithfulness and grace was most clearly demonstrated through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

Asaph, the writer of Psalm 79, is also lamenting at the deep suffering being brought on Israel from the nations around them. Both Jeremiah and Asaph poor out their hearts, crying to the Lord in anguish, yet they both have a shift in tone. It can be helpful and empowering to articulate the hope we have in the midst of suffering, to “flip the script.” Consider the following examples:


*Their heart cried to the Lord … let tears stream down like a torrent day and night (Lamentations 2:16)

        **The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will hope in him. (Lamentations 3:24)


* How long, O Lord? (Psalm 79:5)

        **But we your people … will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. (Psalm 79:13)


Focusing on who God is, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to praise Him through our circumstances. Let’s do that individually today, and corporately together on Sunday as we raise voices to ‘our Holy God and King,’ who ‘by grace we are redeemed and restored.’


Further reading: Job 2:10; John 16:33; Romans 12:12; James 5:10-11


Reflection Questions:

1.     Do you tend to focus on your pain and problems or God's presence and praising him?

2.     What is the result of each of these types of focus in the midst of suffering?

 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your chesed love and saving grace. Forgive me when my flesh is weak and my focus and praise falls away from you when trials come. Help me to remember that your Spirit is in me, the great Helper in my time of need. You are worthy of all praise! Amen

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