This chapter is similar to the last two; beginning with pure hopelessness and disdain because of circumstances / consequences, then rallying to acknowledge God’s greatness partway through.
“He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes; my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, ‘My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord.’ 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. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love. Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven” (v16-18, 21-24, 31-32, 40-41)
How many of us have experienced (or are currently experiencing) unpleasant circumstances in our lives? When we think on that, did we (at least want to) blame God? I have blamed Him before. This is so easy to do in the moment. However, when we look at trials and tribulations in light of scripture, it’s clear the hard times are not God’s fault, they’re either a direct or indirect result of sin in this world.
I encourage us to remind ourselves of who God is, and His love for us on a daily basis. The more deeply we believe that God loves us, and that He longs to rescue us from sin and its consequences, the more quickly we’ll remember these truths in difficult times. The more ingrained our understanding of God’s love for us becomes, the less likely we will be to blame Him for our sin and its outcomes, including in times of great loss.
Father God, our Loving Lord and Everlasting Provider, we praise Your mighty name. Thank you for gently reminding us of who You are, and our fallibility as humans. Thank you for comforting us in time of difficulty, and never leaving our sides, even when we blame You for our circumstances. May we consistently remember Your love for us, especially in trying times, so we may be comforted and comfort others in their time of need. In Your holy and awesome name we pray, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training