When American country singer George Jones died at the
age of 81, his fans remembered his remarkable voice and his hard life and
personal struggles. While many of his songs reflected his own despair and
longing, it was the way he sang them that touched people deeply. Chicago Tribune music critic Greg Kot said, “His voice
was made for conveying heartbreak.”
The book of Lamentations records Jeremiah’s anguish
over the nation of Judah’s stubborn refusal to follow God. Often called “the
weeping prophet,” he witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and saw his people
carried into captivity. He wandered the streets of the city, overwhelmed by
grief (Lam. 1:1-5).
Yet, in Jeremiah’s darkest hour, he said, “This I
recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not
consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great
is Your faithfulness” (3:21-23).
Whether we suffer for our own choices or from those of
others, despair may threaten to overwhelm us. When all seems lost, we can cling
to the Lord’s faithfulness. “‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul. ‘Therefore
I hope in Him!’” (v.24).
The anchor of God’s faithfulness holds firm in the
strongest storms. (RBC)
