Casting Doubts AsideEsimerkki

## Introduction Doubt is often the result of lost hope that a brighter day is on the horizon. You’ve seen so many bad days that it’s hard to hope for better. Maybe you are experiencing hardship or suffering, and you wonder how God could be concerned about you and let it all happen. Today’s reading is from a lament of someone experiencing grave hardship. He pours out to God his anguish and turmoil that have driven him into depression. But while lamenting, something happens that calms his doubts and fears and raises hope within him. He begins to reflect on what God has done and that drives his doubts away. ## Pray God, I am struggling to have hope that you are working in my favor. Teach me to trust your love for me and your faithfulness, even when my circumstances suggest otherwise. ## Read Lamentations 3:17–24. The speaker in today’s Scripture reading gains a new perspective on his suffering when he thinks on God’s faithfulness. ## Reflect What does the speaker remember? He calls to mind that the love of God is unceasing, his kindness is dependable, and “the Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning” (v. 23 CEV). Despite all the things that made him feel hopeless, despaired, and insecure about his future, this moment of reflection centers him—it brings him back to truths about God that give him confidence that better things are ahead. ## Respond Let John Newton’s 1779 hymn “Amazing Grace” fill your heart with hope that God is faithful and will see you through your hardships. Find the lyrics or a recording. Let these words help you release your doubts and build your confidence in God who will lead you all the way.