Be Still Devotional: Day 21

Devotion for Monday March 10
Traci Edworthy | Missouri City Associate Kids Director

Scripture
Lamentations 3:25-26
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Devotional Thought
It’s hard to wait. Whether you’re a kid waiting for the excitement of Christmas or an adult waiting for a diagnosis or even a call from a child. Whatever the circumstance, waiting is hard, and sometimes waiting on the Lord is the most challenging. When we bring our pain, fear, and uncertainty to Him, we expect Him to answer right away. We also hope His answer will align with our hopes, dreams, and visions. However, when the answer doesn’t align or come, or we’re told we have to wait longer, the pain and turmoil go deeper. The waiting can often lead us to question God, His love for us, and even His goodness.

If there ever were a people who understood the struggle in waiting, it was the Jewish people. The Book of Lamentations is the cry of the Jewish people as they are exiled to Babylon. Jerusalem has been destroyed, their hearts are broken, and they cry out to God as they experience the punishment for their disobedience.

In Lamentations 3, we see this man who has experienced suffering and despair. He’s been afflicted, has “dwelt in darkness”, has been “deprived of peace”, and so much more. But in the midst of it all, he says the following in verses 21-24: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 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. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’” (NIV) Then comes our key verse, "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

Reflection Questions

• In the hardships and uncertainties that you are facing, are you seeking Him?
• Are you waiting quietly for His salvation? Can you see His goodness?

Suggested prayer/action step
Dear Lord, thank you for your never-failing compassions. Please Lord, help us to wait for you. To wait for your plans, to seek your peace, and to trust in you, especially when it is hard. Thank you for your great love for us. Thank you for your faithfulness and your compassion. May I seek you as I wait for you!