Today and tomorrow's reading is pretty short comparative to some of the others. At a moderate reading pace you'll finish this in less than 10 minutes and if you speed read you'll easily finish it under 5. For this reason, if you can spare the time, I highly encourage you to read it slowly. Like slower than you think even feels comfortable. Sit with each paragraph, feel the words come alive, meditate on the heartbreaking emotion (and later elation) of the poet. With that said, let's jump in! If you feel so inclined to share a few thoughts on the reading leave them in the comments below!
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this teach me about humanity?
What does this teach me about how we process grief and trauma?
How does or has faith helped me cope with loss?
- My Thoughts -
So, it's always a good day when you can say "I've learned something new." For me that came with a new understanding for the classic and much beloved hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness" (UMH 140) I like I knew the lyrics came from this book but I didn't know much about it in context. I've most often heard this song sung at funerals and up until now I assumed that it was a testimony to the deceased about their faithfulness and honoring the life that they lived. But, lamentations is the gorgeous reminder that it's about God's faithfulness to broken and hurting people. It's a message that says I see your tears now, I will make them into joy in the morning. In a way this is also honoring the deceased and the faithful life they have lived. It's a song of praise at a time of sadness that says to them (and God) that I'm hurting and I miss you and I love you but I know that God (and you in the communion of saints) will help me find joy again.
I think that's just beautiful, and I'm going to keep humming that song the rest of the day thinking about it.
Prayer
Okay, I'm going out of order here but it just fits the scripture too well not to use it (and I'm humming it already) so let's pray the words "great is thy faithfulness" and as you do I encourage you to think about those times that faith has helped you in times of loss or trouble. Try to notice when the smile first crosses your face as you sing the song and give God thanks for it. Tough times don't last, but God sure does. :)
SONG LYRICS:
VERSE 1
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my FatherThere is no shadow of turning with TheeThou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail notAs Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
CHORUS:
Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulnessMorning by morning new mercies I seeAll I have needed Thy hand hath providedGreat is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
VERSE 2:
I could not love Thee, so blind and unfeeling;Covenant promises fell not to me.Then without warning, desire, or deserving,I found my Treasure, my pleasure, in Thee.
VERSE 3:
I have no merit to woo or delight Thee,I have no wisdom or pow’rs to employ;Yet in thy mercy, how pleasing thou find’st me,This is Thy pleasure: that Thou art my joy.
VERSE 4:
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrowBlessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.
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