Preparatory Memory Lamentations 3:21

What do we do when trouble is on the horizon? To what resource do we cling when situations are too difficult to handle? To what or whom do we turn our hope? In chapter three and verse twenty-one we see what Jeremiah did in his moments of despair where we read:

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

The verse begins, “This I recall to my mind,...” As Jeremiah continued to describe his inner emotions as he overlooked the devastation within the city of Jerusalem, he spoke of his affliction, misery, wormwood and gall, and he mentioned how these humbled him. But in this state of thinking, he could still “recall to” or remember in his “mind” which means his “inner man, will, heart, and understanding”. It refers to him “turning back or returning” in his “inclinations, resolutions, conscience, and determination”. The word “this” refers to what he is about to declare rather than what he has already said, and as though he is purposed to think differently than his current way, he resolves to “recall” times in the past so he can endure the present circumstances.

The verse continues, “...therefore have I hope.” The consequence of his recalling in his mind was “therefore have I hope”. Whenever we see a “therefore” in the Bible we should look back to the statement just before it to know why this conclusive word is employed. Jeremiah said, “therefore” “have I hope” which means “to wait, expect and tarry”. That which is “hoped” for is not realized as yet and claims future benefit. Though Jeremiah's condition is horrible, he continued to have hope.

When we go through difficult times, perhaps we too will benefit by recalling seasons where we have endured, made different decisions, took alternate paths or pushed through the problems. Jeremiah is yet to tell us where his thoughts were as those come in the next several verses, but for now let it suffice us to recall that there were distinctive and particular ways employed to endure previous trials. As we consider Jeremiah's words, let us join him in remembering that God Almighty is always in control, and nothing happens to us that is not sifted by His caring hands.

Next time we see the Lord's mercies and compassion, 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