For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone 

Lamentations 3:31-33, NIV

Life is a journey! It is filled with many experiences. We human beings enjoy the positive experiences and do everything we can to stay away from the negative. Yet, some of us may be or know someone experiencing pain and suffering. These experiences can cloud our perspective and distract us from being hopeful and trusting in the Lord. In today’s passage, Jeremiah is saying in the midst of suffering and pain there is hope. The hope is that God is with us in our pain and suffering. Our hope is that the pain and suffering will not last forever. Jeremiah spent his time reminding the people that God loves them, yet the people did not hear his words. The people stayed stuck in their despair. They could not comprehend the hope in God’s love. During this Advent, let us open our eyes to what the Spirit has to say. Through the journey of the pain and suffering, we find a blessed hope in Jesus Christ and we are called, as Jeremiah, to share the message of the blessed hope with others around us. 

Prayer Guide:

1. Make time to reflect on your journey of life and be thankful to God. 
2. Offer support/prayer to someone who is in pain/suffering. 
3. Express thankfulness to God for being our blessed hope. 
4. Thank God for his expression of love through Jesus Christ.