“WHEN YOU CAN’T GO ON”
OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: Lamentations 3 (Focus vs.22–23)
MEMORY VERSE
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed . . . great is [His] faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22–23
BACKGROUND
In 2006, my dad was diagnosed with a neurological disease that robbed him of his memory, speech, and control over body movements. He became bedridden in 2011 and continues to be cared for by my mom at home.
The beginning of his illness was a dark time. I was fearful: I knew nothing about caring for a sick person, and I was anxious about finances and my mom’s health.
The words of Lamentations 3:22 helped me get up many mornings when the light was as gray as the state of my heart: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed.” The Hebrew word for “consumed” means “to be used up completely” or “to come to an end.”
God’s great love enables us to go on, to get up to face the day. Our trials may feel overwhelming, but we won’t be destroyed by them because God’s love is far greater!
There are many times I can recount when God has shown His faithful, loving ways to my family. I saw His provision in the kindness of relatives and friends, the wise counsel of doctors, financial provision, and the reminder in our hearts that—one day—my dad will be whole again in heaven.
If you’re going through a dark time, don’t lose hope. God can help you to not be consumed by what you face. Keep trusting in His faithful love and provision for you.
By: Karen Huang
INSIGHT
The writer of Lamentations isn’t named, but there are reasons to believe Jeremiah wrote this book.
Having prophesied for some forty-seven years (627–580 BC) to a disobedient, disbelieving Judah, Jeremiah writes as an eyewitness, lamenting the destruction and devastation that occurred when the Babylonian army marched into Jerusalem.
For two years (588–586 BC), Nebuchadnezzar besieged the city. Second Kings 25:1–4 tells of the desperate conditions within it (Lamentations 2:20; 4:10). Jeremiah witnessed the eventual destruction of the city and temple (Jeremiah 52:12–27).
In five emotionally charged dirges or funeral laments, Jeremiah describes the sufferings of the people and the reasons for them. The prophet also writes of hope in the midst of despair (Lamentations 3:21–32).
God, who has rightly judged their unfaithfulness, is still their hope. He’s the God of compassion, faithfulness, and salvation (vv. 21–26).
By: K. T. Sim
APPLICATION
In the midst of difficulty, where do you go for strength? How can you remind yourself to trust in God’s great love?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“When we can’t God can” Anonymous
“When we can’t see His Hand we should learn to trust His Heart” Anonymous – Adapted
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (My Re-Emphasis from Post)
“God’s great love enables us to go on, to get up to face the day. Our trials may feel overwhelming, but we won’t be destroyed by them because God’s love is far greater!”
*YOUR TAKE?
PRAYER
“Father, help me to keep trusting You. Open my eyes so I can see Your love and faithfulness.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“LET GO” DeWayne Woods
I couldn’t seem to fall asleep
There was so much on my mind
Searching for that peace
But the peace I could not find
So then I kneeled down to pray
Praying help me please
But then he said you don’t have to cry
‘Cause I’ll supply all your needs
As soon as I stop worrying
Worrying how the story ends
I let go and I let God
Let God have His way
That’s when things start happening
When I stopped looking at back then
I let go and I let God
Let God have his way
There’s so much going on
Sometimes I can’t find my way
And often times I struggle
Struggle from day to day
I have to realize that it’s not my battle
It’s not my battle to fight
I have to know if I put it in your hands
That everything will be alright
As soon as I stop worrying…
Let God have His way
That’s when things start happening…
Let go, let God…
Oh, let go and let God…
Let go, and let God…
He’s the only one with the answers just let God
He can handle it all, yes, He can, let God
With tears in your eyes just let God
He feels your pain and He knows your heart
He knows your issues, He knows your struggles
So let go and let God
Soon as, soon as I stop worrying
I can let go and I let God, I can let go
I can let God…
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (THIS WEEK)
THE BOOK OF II KINGS CHAPTERS 15-20
THE BOOK I CORINTHIANS CHAPTERS 9-16