By Susan Lloyd – December 31, 2020 – Reflection
2020 has been a year of painful losses not just for me but for virtually everyone. Who knew we’d all be affected by a world-wide pandemic. Who Knew?
It’s never happened to everyone at once before. Suddenly we all find ourselves, in one respect, in the same proverbial boat. We are surrounded by so much fear, so much anxiety, so much uncertainty, so much mistrust, so much loss.
Truth has become allusive with few reliable sources to be found and trusted. Our family suffered a personal loss this year when our 25 year old daughter died in a car accident. It was very tragic, but it hardly compares to the suffering I hear and read about every day. I frequently wonder if it will ever end. Maybe this is just the beginning.
For many of us, at least right now, the world, as it is, doesn’t make much sense. As I look for any real source of comfort, I’m forced to turn my attention to the only source I know that soothes me beyond my battered emotions, and reaches into the depth of my soul.
When I thirst for daily relief from the pain, my faith in God is the well I draw from. I find I draw from this well every time a new wave of emotion overtakes me, and my tears flow freely again. I am not the only one hurting nor the only one suffering under the weight of grief and loss.
As I prayed for this coming year, with hope it may be filled with God’s mercy, He led me to read these verses that provide a balm for my hurting soul. I’d like to share them with you.
Lamentations 3: 22-25 ESV
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, says my soul, therefore, I will hope in him.
The LORD is food to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
These verses remind me of God’s unending love, available to both me and you without limits. My relationship with Jesus, my Savior, sustains my soul in the depths of my pain. I look for God in my sorrow and find Him. He is there. I am never truly alone.
Regardless of what 2021 brings, I have my hope in Him to see me through.
He Will. I know He Will.
How are you praying for 2021?
May you hope in Him this coming year,
Susan