In 2006, my dad was diagnosed with a neurological disease that robbed him of his memory, speech, and control over body movements. He became bedridden in 2011 and continues to be cared for by my mom at home. The beginning of his illness was a dark time. I was fearful: I knew nothing about caring for a sick person, and I was anxious about finances and my mom’s health.
The words of Lamentations 3:22 helped me get up many mornings when the light was as gray as the state of my heart: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed.” The Hebrew word for “consumed” means “to be used up completely” or “to come to an end.”
God’s great love enables us to go on, to get up to face the day. Our trials may feel overwhelming, but we won’t be destroyed by them because God’s love is far greater!
There are many times I can recount when God has shown His faithful, loving ways to my family. I saw His provision in the kindness of relatives and friends, the wise counsel of doctors, financial provision, and the reminder in our hearts that—one day—my dad will be whole again in heaven.
If you’re going through a dark time, don’t lose hope. God can help you to not be consumed by what you face. Keep trusting in His faithful love and provision for you.
By Karen Huang
REFLECT & PRAY
In the midst of difficulty, where do you go for strength? How can you remind yourself to trust in God’s great love?
Father, help me to keep trusting You. Open my eyes so I can see Your love and faithfulness.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The writer of Lamentations isn’t named, but there are reasons to believe Jeremiah wrote this book. Having prophesied for some forty-seven years (627–580 bc) to a disobedient, disbelieving Judah, Jeremiah writes as an eyewitness, lamenting the destruction and devastation that occurred when the Babylonian army marched into Jerusalem. For two years (588–586 bc ), Nebuchadnezzar besieged the city. Second Kings 25:1–4 tells of the desperate conditions within it (Lamentations 2:20; 4:10). Jeremiah witnessed the eventual destruction of the city and temple (Jeremiah 52:12–27). In five emotionally charged dirges or funeral laments, Jeremiah describes the sufferings of the people and the reasons for them. The prophet also writes of hope in the midst of despair (Lamentations 3:21–32). God, who has rightly judged their unfaithfulness, is still their hope. He’s the God of compassion, faithfulness, and salvation (vv. 21–26).
K. T. Sim
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