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Day 361 (Lamentations 5:1-16) Remember, O LORD, what has come upon us; look, and behold our reproach! Our inheritance has been turned over to aliens, and our houses to foreigners. We have become orphans and waifs; our mothers are like widows. We pay for the water we drink, and our wood comes at a price. They pursue at our heels; we labor and have no rest. We gave our hand to the Egyptians and the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. Our fathers sinned and are no more, but we bear their iniquities. Servants rule over us; there is no one to deliver us from their hand. We get our bread at the risk of our lives, because of the sword in the wilderness. Our skin is hot as an oven, because of the fever of famine. They ravished the women in Zion, and the maidens in the cities of Judah. Princes were hung up by their hands, and elders were not respected. Young men ground at the millstones; boys staggered under loads of wood. The elders have ceased gathering at the gate, and the young men from their music. The joy of our hearts has ceased; our dance has turned into mourning. The crown has fallen from our heads. Woe to us, for we have sinned! Many people live with regret when they see their circumstances change for the worse. Remorse becomes a way of life. Bitterness eats their words and dogs their feet. They live without hope. Jeremiah looked at what became of his people and turned his heart to God. He knew where his hope lay. (Lamentations 3:21-26) This I recall to my mind; therefore, I have hope. Through the LORD’S mercies, we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore, I hope in Him!” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Jeremiah prayed and asked God to remember His people. He reminded God of what became of His people and how they were treated by those who took them into captivity. Christians should turn to prayer when trouble comes their way. They should not wallow in negativity and hopelessness. Satan wants you to blame God for your trouble. Instead, you need to look at your life and confess your sin. Take responsibility for your situation and remind God that you are His child. Then your joy will return, and you will dance before the Lord because you know His forgiveness. Your hope is in Him. Let’s pray: Father, I am a sinner. I know I deserve punishment for my actions. I confess my sin and ask for Your forgiveness. Let me find joy in Your salvation and praise You with my whole life because You are faithful to forgive. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 9 July 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay