“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.” Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV
Recently I was speaking with one of my old lady friends. We were overdue for a catch-up and I was eager to bask in her wisdom and laughter. I asked her the run of the mill question, "how are you?" To which she simply replied, "everyday I take a breath, it's a good day, baby." Wow! Talk about perspective. Despite any health challenges, family drama, the state of her finances or the world, she maintained a focus and perspective on the faithfulness of God by allowing her to wake up and breathe.
Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah who wrote Lamentations had just witnessed the invasion and destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The city was in ruins, the people were in despair, their future uncertain. Yet, Jeremiah in the midst of his pain acknowledges what he's feeling (Lamentations 3:1-20) and the destruction (Lamentations 1-2) but he focuses his perspective on the everlasting love of God, His daily mercies, and the faithfulness of the Lord (Lamentations 3:21-23).
This praiseworthy perspective or attitude of gratitude displayed by my old lady friend and Jeremiah are worth our adoption. Jeremiah willingly shifted his thoughts from despair to hope. Yes, he acknowledged his pain but he did not stay there. Research has shown when we practice gratitude, we receive benefits emotionally, socially, personally, physically, and professionally.
Wherever you find yourself today, whatever despair or chaos may be happening in your life or the world around you, I encourage you to remind yourself of any reason(s) to be grateful and intentionally set your focus on a praiseworthy perspective.
Reflection
What pain, sorrow, or disappointment do I need to acknowledge in my life? How can I shift my focus to a posture of gratitude? What things can I thank God for right now?
Reflect on any physiological, mental, or emotional shifts you noticed when focusing on the pain in your life compared to the praiseworthy things in your life.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Forgive me for making my world a bigger focus than you. Help me to practice an attitude of gratitude especially in life's challenging times. Show me your new mercies daily and let them penetrate my heart and mind. In Jesus' name I pray, amen!
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
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