Friday, June 6, 2014

Hope and Quietly Wait Lamentations 3:26

Jeremiah the prophet relied upon and put his hope in remembering that the LORD is faithful, merciful, compassionate, and his portion. Jeremiah knew that even in adversity he could put his hope in the LORD. In chapter three and verse twenty-six we learn more about what Jeremiah learned about hope where we read:

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

The verse begins, “It is good that a man should both hope...” Jeremiah began this verse with declaring “it is good” or “pleasant and agreeable” that we should “both” which means there is an additional action we should take, “hope” or “wait with expectancy”. The question begs, “For what should we “hope”? The answer lie at the end of this sentence “the salvation of the LORD”. Jeremiah knew there were benefits to the person who would rely upon, trust in and cling to the fact that the LORD would save, would deliver, lend His help and provide victory to those who have hope in Him.

The verse goes on to say, “...and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” Now Jeremiah adds a level to having “hope” that not many obtain. He wrote “quietly wait” which means to be in “silence” or as “dumb as a stone”. Those who will do the best “good” are those who will not only “hope” but also “hope” silently “for the salvation of the LORD.” In other words, many may hope in the LORD'S salvation and deliverance, but not many hope in silence.

As we think about this verse and meditate upon it, how would we grade our method of hoping? Do we silently hope, quietly hope and are as “dumb as a stone” while we hope in God's salvation? Do we often complain, moan, cry out, and whine while we “hope” in His deliverance? Perhaps as we consider these words of Jeremiah we will be convicted within our souls and ask the LORD to help us to be more silent when it appears He is not moving according to our schedule. May the Lord Jesus help us all to not only hope in His salvation, but also hope in a quiet manner that is pleasing to Him.

Next time we will learn what a man should bear in his youth, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
 
Until tomorrow...there is more...
 
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore




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