The Hope Button by Arlene Pellicane

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope…” (Lamentations 3:21, NIV).

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a hope button?  Something you could just press when you felt pessimism and misery weighing you down?

Friend, you have a button like this available for your use.  It’s nestled in between despair and the dawning of hope recorded in the book of Lamentations.  The writer, Jeremiah the prophet, is utterly broken.  Jerusalem, the City of David, had been attacked and destroyed.  Jeremiah sees no hope of restoration, wholeness, or safety. 

He cries out to God with many complaints such as “he has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship” (v. 5), “he has weighed me down with chains” (v. 7), and “he has trampled me in the dust” (v. 16).  Jeremiah is remembering all that went wrong and his soul is depressed and despondent. 

Yet somehow, he reaches for the hope button in verse 21 and it becomes his turning point: 

“Yet this I call to mind and there I have hope…” 

What is the “this” that Jeremiah is calling to mind?  We find it in verses 22-23:

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” 

Jeremiah is shifting his focus from the rubble around him to the fact that he is still standing.  He remains unconsumed because of God’s great love.  “Compassions” is plural illustrating how God showers us with new compassion every morning.  Even though Jerusalem laid in ruin, the Word of God lasts forever. 

When Jeremiah pressed the hope button – recalling God’s great love and compassion – he could say in the midst of grief, “I have hope.  God is my portion and He is enough.” 

Have you felt hopeless in a particular area of your life lately?  It’s time to press the hope button.  You’re still here.  God’s mercies are for you today, and they are waiting to bless you tomorrow. 

When I went away to college, I was discouraged and miserable because I felt lost without my family, friends, and all things familiar.  I cried most days for the first few weeks.  I did however have a Christian roommate with a flair for art.  She painted our dorm room walls with Bible verses.  Guess what she painted?  Lamentations 3:22-23 which reminded me every morning when I opened my eyes that God’s compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness. 
The next time you find yourself sitting in a heap of discouragement, press the hope button.  Surround yourself with the promises of God.  Recall His faithfulness and refresh your faith. 

Let’s Pray 
Dear Lord, I need Your encouragement today.  I take this moment to remember Your faithfulness to me.  Thank you for providing my next breath and everything I need.  Thank you that Your compassions never fail; they are new every morning.  Give me the wisdom to recognize your compassion and love for me. 
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn  
Reflect on your past and remember two instances when God proved Himself faithful to you.  Maybe He provided rent money exactly when you needed it, or brought healing to a relationship.  Spend a minute thanking God for His faithfulness in your life.