“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” Lamentations 3:21-26
Worldwide pandemic of Covid 19. Fear. Mandatory orders to stay at home. Businesses closed, perhaps lost forever. Lives changed. Death rates publicized daily. Conflict between man and the law with tragic outcome. Outrage. Protests. Curfews. Riots. Destruction. Despair. Overwhelming, dark “what ifs?” Hopelessness.
How are you holding up in modern day United States of America? Are you cautious about leaving home? Are you looking around the church parking lot to see if the authorities have come to arrest and remove your pastoral staff before your eyes? Do you wonder if your picture will be taken and your name recorded as a member of the congregation? Do you question how you are going to pay your bills? Feed your family? Did you ever think you’d see this happen in your lifetime—that evil would be called good and good evil? (Isaiah 5:20)
This morning the words of Jeremiah touched my spirit. He was known as the weeping prophet, a witness of Judah’s decline and capture by the Babylonian empire. The Temple, their place of worship and communion with God, was destroyed, and their homes reduced to rubble. The people had been removed, a meager remnant left to scrape the land. In the midst of Jeremiah’s despair and suffering, he penned the words that began this devotion, a remembrance of God’s faithful mercies and the hope that filled his sad heart.
Another witness of the Babylonian takeover was Habakkuk. Surely God wouldn’t destroy His people. But God revealed to him He would indeed bring evil against them for turning their backs on Him. The prophet asked him again for mercy.
“I have heard all about You, LORD. I am fiilled with awe by Your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as You did in years gone by. And in Your anger, remember Your mercy.” Habakkuk 3:2 (NLT)
In looking at God, the prophet came to the conclusion that, although things looked very bad for the nation, he would rejoice and trust in the living God.
“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” Habakkuk 3:18-19
Fast forward to the last prophet recorded in the Old Testament, Malachi. The people have returned to the Promised Land. Temple worship has been restored, yet the people are hypocrites in their worship, wondering what’s in it for them. They don’t honor God and they don’t take care of those who are in need. In fact, they rob God by giving sacrifices that are spindly and blemished. They give what is easy and think they look good. So, God warns them . . . He doesn’t change. (Malachi 3:6) He will send His messenger (Jesus) to refine them and burn off the dross of self-focus and gratification. When they return to Him, He will return to them. He will judge the faithless, but bless the faithful.
“But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.” Malachi 4:2
Remembering who God is, what He requires of us, and the blessing He promises for obedience gives us hope . . . hope that equips us to rise above the circumstances of our lives and walk the high places He has prepared for us. Like calves released from the confinement of a pen into a green pasture, our steps will be filled with joy.
Instead of asking you “What,” my question has become, “WHO is holding you up?”
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6
By Marilyn Allison