Call to Mind

Some days I think some of 2020 would be a perfect fit in the Bible’s book of Lamentations. The circumstances and events are different but most of us know the feeling of wishing things were not what they are. The first 20 verses of Chapter 3 look like the posts I so often see on social media or the conversations I’ve heard so frequently. So many feelings of exhaustion, fear, frustration, anger, loss, and wondering what the future will hold. But something happens at Verse 21 that has been my anchor this past week:

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”
Lamentations 3:21

I’ve read those words before but in this midst of a challenging season like this, they are worth revisiting over and over again.  The writer says he had to “call to mind”... and I have to do the same.  My mind can easily wander to all the headlines and arguments, but today I get to chose again to remember.  Today, just like the sun came up again, I get to remind myself that there is not a day God has forgotten us.  Today when the only prayer I can muster is “Lord, have mercy”, He reminds me that it will never run out. 

This week let’s chose to remember... to call to mind. It may not change our circumstances, but I have a feeling it will change us.