I don't like to hear these words...just "hold on a second.” It makes me tired and left wondering, "hold on to what?" I get the idea that I need to be patient but pushing the pause button doesn't come naturally, at least not to me. There are those times when I look back and remember how I have not been the follower of Jesus I should have been. I have been really impatient, saying things that shouldn’t be said, or not doing what I know God calls me to do. The saying from Franklin D. Roosevelt has been quoted quite a bit: "If you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” When I get into the quandary of thoughts, it feels like I have come to the end of the rope. My question is what knot? (no pun intended) What do I hang on to?
I've been on a journey of reading chronologically through the Bible. It's been enjoyable to read the historical books and the books of the kings along with the Psalms and prophets. It’s interesting to see the interplay between the books. I'll have to admit though, as I looked at the schedule I wasn't too excited about a few of the books. The one I was the most skeptical about was Lamentations, written by the "weeping prophet," Jeremiah. I didn't foresee the surprise that awaited me. I began in chapter one and slogged my way through the first two chapters of how God had rejected, poured out his wrath, afflicted, etc. I was ready to apply my training in rapid reading to keep me from tumbling into the pit of despair when I came across verses 19 through 26 of chapter 3:
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. 20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." 25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
There it is, the "knot." God's great love. Because of it I am (k)not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is his faithfulness. My knot? His great love, his mercies, his faithfulness. Because of that I can wait!
So, what's your knot?
Peace Out,
Marty
