“This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.” Tradition says that the Book of Lamentations was written by Jeremiah, although he is not explicitly identified as the author. One thing is obvious. The writer of this scripture has learned that recalling brings hope.
My first thought? The only reason I have hope is the very fact I can recall the past to my mind. Memories. Those with mistakes in them and those with success. Success as God defines it, not as the world. God is not on the same page with the world in defining what is success, in the life of a believer.
My mind has saved for me all the times I was on the brink of failure and on the mountaintop of success. They are like scars. Some are so tiny I forget they are there. Then there are the gashes. The pain of loss so great that you feel you will never ever breath again.
Yet our mighty God has covered them all with the salve of His compassion. He has healed the wounds with His loving kindness. He has erased from His memory and mine, those that are too painful for either of us to recall. His forgiveness covers and protects me from my past. Oh, don’t be mistaken. Though forgiven and forgotten, the lessons must be learned. The wisdom gained leads me away from repetition.
We talk every night, God and I. The closing of the day brings reflection. What did I say? How did I treat people? Did I reflect God’s grace and love? Was I helpful or hurtful? There will be some yes and some no answers to those questions. He knows before I tell Him of the mistakes I made and the tiny success I may have experienced. He celebrates my day with me by singing over the success, and then He honors my request for forgiveness for the things in my day that disappointed both of us.
The sun rises early and He and I start a new day of hope, building my faith that He will never leave me nor forsake me. That He will sing over me throughout the day with encouragement to follow His lead. To extend the compassion and loving kindness He has given me, to all I meet.
What can you recall? Don’t dwell on the scars of failure. We all have them. Ask forgiveness and do what God does…move on with hope that tomorrow will bring new opportunity to do a better job of following our Savior. A new opportunity to reflect the light of the greatest love that the world has ever known.
~Scripture For Today~
Lamentations 3:21-23
21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. 22 The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (NLT)
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (NLT)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! Thank You for a mind that recalls the past. We are reminded that You were always there. You were waiting, walking, comforting, forgiving, and lifting us. You celebrate our victories and You forgive us our failures. We have hope with each new sunrise that the lessons from yesterday will make today a future recollection that You were there with us. Whatever comes, we are not alone. Forgive us for our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.