Day 23—Monday, March 16

Jeremiah 31:10

Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands. He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.

The people of Israel were in exile and scattered having been judged for their disobedience. But in God’s world even the hardest times don’t last forever. God promises that the people will be gathered as sheep and restored physically and spiritually. Even though God judged the people, God never left them. It is difficult to recognize and know God’s goodness in despair, but even in the midst of struggle and sorrow, God promises to be with us. As a shepherd does for sheep, God conveyed care, guidance, and protection and sought an intimate and compassionate relationship with those in exile. Jeremiah 31 speaks of sorrow turning to gladness and mourning into joy, of dancing and bounty and well-watered gardens. God has brought nations through many difficult periods and hardships.

A quote attributed to Wallace Stegner states that “the brook would lose its song if we removed the rocks.” Challenges and obstacles can be necessary to help us see beauty, music, and harmony in life. The discord, injustice, cruelty, and heartbreak in our nation now make it feel as if there are huge, craggy boulders in the water. Through feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, we too, can cling to God’s promise to be beside us through difficult times. Though uncertainty fills our days, we can be certain that God’s grace is present and flowing for all. Even on a cloudy morning, the sun still rises.

Let us take a step past claiming God’s grace for our own solace. Let us be shepherds, too. Let us find ways to show compassion, practice kindness, fight loneliness, exhibit joy, and share encouragement whenever and wherever we can. Our smiles and kind words may be the very gestures needed to change someone’s day. Large efforts are absolutely needed, but small efforts can make a big difference especially if we make those efforts together. Though we may feel powerless to combat the current barrage of injustice, let us aim to make a difference right where we are each and every day.

Loving God, thank you for the promise of your steadfast presence even when life seems overwhelming. Help us share your grace and compassion so that your love may spread throughout our nation. Amen

 

-Dawn Long