We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Nate Hemphill.
Bible Reading:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24
Word:
In reading today’s scripture passage many of us probably feel a strong “Amen” in response. If things are going well in your life, your relationships are good, the kids are acting right, and your job is going well – then sure! God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! But it’s when we find ourselves in a valley; when we’ve lost a loved one, a relationship has fallen apart, and there is too much month at the end of the money, that our faith in God’s goodness is put to the test.
The author of this scripture in Lamentations is the prophet Jeremiah. His words about God’s lovingkindness and compassion were written not during a time of triumph; quite the opposite. Jerusalem was destroyed due to sin and transgressions. The Israelites had turned their backs on God and were now suffering the consequences. Jeremiah was thus looking for God’s goodness through a lens of slavery, suffering, despair and pain.
In light of Jesus Christ’s payment of sin on our behalf, we now have an everlasting hope that sin will never separate us from God’s love. This is not to say that sin doesn’t have its own consequences – surely it does. But because of Christ’s blood we remain in Him and in His love. Thus, even when we are experiencing loss, when our hearts are grieved, even if the suffering is self-inflicted, we too can proclaim “The Lord is my portion…Therefore I have hope in Him.”
Prayer:
Father help me to not be a fair-weathered believer. I pray that I would have a resolute heart to praise you in good times and bad. You are deserving of all of my praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Skillwork:
Look for God’s goodness today! Whatever your circumstances may be – point to something that God has blessed you with, big or small. The very fact that you woke up today and are reading this Athlete Word of the Day is proof enough that God loves you!
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