Yves
Congar was just 10 years old when World War I began and the French town where
he lived was invaded by the German army. His mother encouraged him to keep a
diary, and what resulted was a lucid description of a military occupation,
complete with written narrative and colored sketches. His diary recorded a
disaster from a child’s perspective. What he witnessed had such a profound
effect on him that he felt called to bring others the hope of Christ.
Centuries
earlier the prophet Jeremiah was an eyewitness to the invasion of Jerusalem by
Nebuchadnezzar. He wrote down his observations in his “diary”—the book of
Lamentations. Despite these distressing times, the prophet found hope in the
heart of God. He wrote: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your
faithfulness” (3:22-23).
At various times, we may experience or witness disasters that feel like hostile forces entering our lives. But these times of trouble do not last forever. And, like Jeremiah, our most sustaining hope is to reflect upon the faithfulness and provision of our heavenly Father. The Lord’s compassions are new every morning, and His faithfulness is great!
