(by pastor Jean)

The writer of Lamentations was overwhelmed with sorrow due to the destruction of Jerusalem; he even said that he cried so much that he had no more tears left and his heart was broken (Lam 2:11). But then after almost 3 chapters of mourning he suddenly remembers something, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness (Lam 3:21-23; ESV). He is reminded of God’s faithfulness and it gives him hope. When we are going through difficult seasons in life we would do well to remind ourselves of the same thing. If we take a moment to thank God for all His blessings it will give us hope too. Psalm 68:19 says that God, “daily loads with benefits” (NKJV). To be “loaded” is to have a surplus of something. There may be some people who are thinking, “I don’t really have much of a surplus of anything.” Well, don’t forget that God woke you up this morning, He provides you with food to eat, clean water to drink and shower in and the list goes on. I’m sure we can all find at least a few things that prove God’s faithfulness that will give us hope and renew our faith in God. When we do this, it helps us get our minds off our problems and onto God. “In everything give thanks” (1 Thess 5:18).