Day 65 | Saturday, 23 May 2020

Day 65  |  Saturday, 23 May 2020
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 As we continue to journey through these unprecedented times, we have gone through many emotions and feelings.  We are beginning to witness the “reopening” of the country and our local area.  We probably have mixed feelings about moving forward as we remember what we have been through these past several months.  There are times when it is important to shut out all the outside “noise” and sit in the quiet seeking the presence of God.  When I do that, I am reminded of how great the faithfulness of our God is.  I know that I must wait patiently for things to return to what will be comfortable and less troubling.  I have appreciated the good weather and the chance to be outside puttering around the house and the grounds.  Our gatherings on Wednesday at noon have been so beneficial to all of us.  I have taken a few verses from an Old Testament book that reminds us of God’s faithfulness.  

Lamentations 3:20-26; 31-33
“20 I can’t help but remember and am depressed.
21 I call all this to mind—therefore, I will wait.
22 Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly, God’s compassion isn’t through!
23 They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness.
24 I think: The Lord is my portion! Therefore, I’ll wait for him.
25 The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to the person who seeks him.
26 It’s good to wait in silence for the Lord’s deliverance.
31 My Lord definitely won’t reject forever.
32 Although he has caused grief, he will show compassion in measure with his covenant loyalty.
33 He definitely doesn’t enjoy affliction, making humans suffer.”

To accompany these verses, I am also sharing a familiar hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923

1.   “Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.”

2.   “Summer and winter and spring-time and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.”

3.   “Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!”

Refrain: “Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided; great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”

O Lord our God, we are glad to affirm your faithfulness to your people.  We need to be reminded of just how faithful you are as we remember the difficulties of these past months.  It is good for us to take some time in silence to listen to your still, quiet voice speaking to us.  Continue to show your compassion to all those in need this day.  Great is your faithfulness.  Lord, hear our prayers.  Amen

Today: Compassion

Stay safe this weekend.  This is unlike any other Memorial Day weekend we have experienced.