Most of us know what we want, how we want it, and few of us give up very easily. Or that is the theory. Those are the stories we tell about ourselves, about how we are determined and stubborn. It isn’t, of course, the whole story. We’re also forgetful, easily distracted and sometimes a little bit lazy.
In this passage from Jeremiah, we hear a whole bunch of the stubborn and determined part about God. Apparently, God breaking God’s promise is as likely as someone convincing day or night not to come.
Over and over again, Jeremiah says to these people, who had been driven from their country by terrible violence, that God hasn’t forgotten them, and that God “will restore their fortunes and will have mercy on them.” God is determined. Jeremiah is brazenly confident. And the message is clear. God will remember God’s promises. No matter how forgetful or easily distracted we are, we are told that on the other side of terrible situations, God will always keep God’s promises for good.
Loving God, in the midst of lives of hope and uncertainty, laughter and tears, give us the wisdom to know that when things are the most difficult, your promise will always prevail. Amen. — VF