October 30

Lamentations 3:1-66, Hebrews 1:1-14, Psalm 102:1-28, Proverbs 26:21-22



Pray: Lamentations prompts us to “test and examine our ways” and “turn back to the Lord” (Lamentations 3:40). This is a key verse in Celebrate Recovery as we grow in spiritual and emotional health. Take a moment of quiet to examine your ways. Then, earnestly repent and turn back to the Lord in any way necessary.

Read: A way to examine is to measure. Throughout all of the Scripture in today’s reading, there are words of duration or measuring time in relation to our troubles and God’s rule and reign over creation. How do these ways of measuring God’s sovereignty give you hope?

Edify: Lamentations, much like the Psalm, is full of both despair and hope. These are not mutually exclusive in the life of a believer. For every deep complaint and acknowledgement of trouble and trial is followed by a measure of the greatness and goodness of God. His faithful love “never ends” and mercies “never cease” and “begin afresh each morning” (Lam. 3:22-23). Of Jesus Christ, God says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever” even when the skies one day fold up like old clothing (Hebrews 1:9,12).  The Psalmist is experiencing such devastation, but he can know that it is only for a brief time. How? By measuring it against… “But you, O Lord, will sit on your throne forever” (Psalm 102:12). For the surpassing goodness of God in Jesus Christ puts into context our difficult but momentary suffering. Praise God for His immeasurable power and grace!

Practice: Look your largest challenge in the eye as you write it down in your PREP journal. Then respond to it and put it in its place by writing and speaking aloud, “But you, O Lord, will sit on your throne forever!” You can have a confident hope in the midst of your trials.