Faith, Hope, and Love … in the Midst of Struggle When times are tough (Lamentations 1:1-6) we are encouraged to remember God’s faithfulness (Lamentations 3:19-26) and to live by faith (Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4). Don’t fret over evil people who prosper (Psalm 37:1-10). God’s people have been through seasons of exile (Psalm 137) but must not lose sight of their holy calling (2 Timothy 1:1-14). Demonstrate love and self-control while carrying out Jesus’ commandments with gratitude (Luke 17:5-10).
Christ Our Treasure “We should not put our confidence in earthly wealth (Amos 6:1a, 4-7); rather, we should put our trust in the Lord who made heaven and earth (Psalm 146). Desiring to be rich often causes us to fall into temptation; contentment comes when we realize we have brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it (1 Timothy 6:6-19). In Jesus’ parable of the poor man Lazarus, we see that in light of eternity, wealth means nothing (Luke 16: 19-31).” – Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
Generous Faithfulness Jeremiah cried out to God during times of grief and desperation (Jeremiah 8:18-9:1). The prophets teach us that humans are prone to trample the needy and ignore God’s law (Amos 8:4-7). God hears the cry of his people and promises to lift up the needy and bring life to those who suffer (Psalm 113). We are called to embrace the redemption offered through Jesus Christ, pray for everyone, and aspire to live quiet and peaceable lives (1 Timothy 2:1-17). Jesus teaches us to serve God faithfully by keeping our lives free from the love of money — pursuing honesty, generosity, and gratitude (Luke 16:1-13).
Merciful God Moses was bold in asking for God’s mercy (Exodus 32:7-14). David asked for God to cleanse him from sin (Psalm 51: 1-11). Many turn away from God and try to pretend that he does not exist (Psalm 14). But we must remember that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Turn to him and thank him for his mercy and grace (1 Timothy 1:12-17). He seeks those who are lost and rejoices in those who turn back to him (Luke 15:1-10).
Pursuing the Way of Life Like a potter molding clay, the Lord is sovereign over all nations (Jeremiah 18:1-11). Nothing can hide from God’s omnipresent and eternal being. He knows us more intimately than we know ourselves (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18) and calls his people to turn their hearts toward him and delight in the way of life that he has revealed (Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Psalm 1). Like Paul, we should be advocates for the life and freedom of others (Philemon 1:1-1:21). Even when it is difficult, we are to follow Jesus Christ above all else (Luke 14:25-33).