I’ll not lie to you – I’ve had quite a difficult week. It’s not that anything truly awful has happened but after what has been a trying year I’m feeling the weight of it today.

It’s annoying.

I know in times like this I need Gods word even more than usual. My human self seeks escapism but I know that drawing close to God is a non-negotiable in these times. So, I sat down to spend time in the word, which I do through a reading plan, and opened at the next reading.

It was a book in the Bible called Lamentations – it wasn’t what I was hoping for.

It’s a book that is written by Jeremiah, a prophet who lived during the exile of Judah to Babylon. I’d just finished reading his other book, and it isn’t known for its joyfulness. Lamentations is no different – the clue is in the name! It’s a set of poems lamenting the fall of Judah, it reads like a funeral dirge that might be sung in the memorial of a loved one.

In the middle of feeling a bit off, I didn’t really want to read about someone and something that was a bit off as well. I wanted cheered up!!! I know there is a very valuable place for lament and grief but I just wanted a nice positive ‘fridge magnet’ kind of reading to help me out of my solemn mood.

However, I’m structured and obedient so I committed to the text knowing that the Lord may have something for me. The start of the book is sad. There is so much imagery around the fall of Judah. Again and again the writer finds way to describe the fall, the pain, the destruction and despair that they have felt. In great detail he talks about his weeping and pain. It’s a harrowing read – for three and a half chapters.

Then halfway through chapter 3 this moment happens.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:21-24

In this moment I was glad I stayed obedient and read Lamentations. This verse reminded me that it is not my situation that governs my life but Gods great love. If I truly believe that His love is greater than my pain then I can have hope. Hope disappears when we believe that our pain surpasses His love. The fact that His compassion never fails is a reminder that He feels the same pain I do, He knows what it costs me, and that helps me to remember that I am not alone. What makes this even better is even if I might feel like His love and His compassion could wane, or run out at some point, I am reminded they are renewed every morning. The reality is that they never wane, or run out, but my capacity to receive them does. They don’t need renewed from Gods perspective but they do need renewed from mine. When God is our portion we don’t need to eat from anywhere else.

He is more than enough.

Thank you Jeremiah, Lamentations, and of course God!!