January 8, 2021 – Lamentations 3:40-42

Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven: “We have transgressed and rebelled, and you have not forgiven.” Lamentations 3:40-42

When the troubles of the world threaten to capsize our souls, we lift up our hearts and hands to God in Heaven in contrition and sorrow and pray with David,   Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin! Psalm 51:1-2.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me, is the way a song begins written in the 1950’s.  Long before, Jesus taught this prayer to the disciples in Matthew 6. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” 

Where does peace on earth come from? Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.  John 14:27. These are the words of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.   In the first verse of this chapter we read, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”

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 3:22-24.  

“I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; You heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’You came near when I called on you; You said, ‘Do not fear!’” Lamentations 3:55-57.