By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“Our sorrows are all, like ourselves, mortal. There are no immortal sorrows for immortal souls. They come, but blessed be God, they also go. Like birds of the air, they fly over our heads. But they cannot make their abode in our souls. We suffer today, but we shall rejoice tomorrow.” – Charles Spurgeon

Do you find yourself downcast today?

I think that it is easy to get caught in a cycle of discouragement. When our outlook is dismal, our lives can easily be disheartening. Every night we cry ourselves to sleep and every morning we wake up and are reminded of the unhappiness that fills our world.

There is no better written account of the sorrow that can fill the human experience than the book of Lamentations. Its pages are filled with brokenness and groaning. But at some point, near the end, there is a switch. In the third chapter, the book moves from descriptions of misery to confessions of praise.

“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 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 3:19-24).

Be encouraged, as the writer of Lamentations was encouraged, that our God does not allow us to be consumed by that which we are troubled. It is because of His great love that we can call on Him to supply all of our needs and we can have hope in that fact.

When you can’t fall asleep at night because of the sadness that fills your soul, sing praises to God because His faithfulness is great! He has not left you and He never will. Sleep, knowing that He is still in control.

When you wake up and don’t want to get out of bed, fearing what new disaster the day has in store, be encouraged because God’s compassions are new every morning and they never fail! God is still at work in your life and your situation.

When you find yourself unsatisfied with the outcomes of life or you find yourself discontent with your current circumstances, be reminded today that God wants to be your one and only portion. He wants to be your sustenance. He has all that you need. So, have peace and be still. Wait on Him because He is faithful.

Take some time and cry out to God concerning your situation. But even the writer of Lamentations, after three chapters of mourning, turned to praise.

God will not fail you.

Parents: Have a conversation with your children recalling times of sadness in your life. Reflect on God’s faithfulness and His great love.