This I Recall

Lamentations 3:21, “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.”

Our inward discouragement can be overcome when we lift our eyes off ourselves and onto God and His promises. In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah grieved over the painful and regrettable circumstances of God’s people. They were certainly reaping a bountiful harvest of discipline and trouble. The city that was once so great was now lonely and empty. It was now sitting in utter embarrassment and regret. They had forsaken God and were suffering the consequences. Their loving devotion was replaced with sinful disobedience. Now, they were reaping what they had sown. The bible says in Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” There is a painful harvest to bear when we walk away from the Lord Jesus. There is shame, regret, missed opportunities, broken relationships, sorrow and sadness. Perhaps you find yourself in this position. You are feeling overwhelmed as yesterday’s failures become todays regrets. You are broken. Your mind has become consumed with despair in these seasons in life.

Let me encourage you to remember that brokenness does not have to be the end of your story. Sure, regrets over past mistakes can lead to great bitterness in your soul. However, God in His grace reaches out to the hurting and destitute. Jeremiah shows us something very liberating as he faces this moment of grief in his soul. Instead of turning in on himself in utter despair, he called to his mind the promise and nature of God. As bitterness and despair threatened him, he took specific action. By faith, he preached a message to his mind. Jeremiah turns his attention from his painful circumstances and depressing situation to God’s promises.

The Bible is filled with precious and powerful promises of God. The Bible says in Isaiah 55:11, “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” God’s word is able to accomplish a wonderful work in our lives. I encourage you to call His promises to your mind and think on them. Certainly, you are going to think on something. You might think about your worries, aches, pains, heartaches, regrets, and shame. Or, you could recall to your mind the promises of God.

Jeremiah was changed when he recalled to his mind that God’s lovingkindness never ceases and His compassion never fails. When Jeremiah called this to mind, he was filled with hope. The apostle Paul said in Romans 15:4, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” We can have hope because God is faithful and works on behalf of those who seek Him.

Have a great week as you call to mind God’s great promises.