Lamentations 3:21-23 – “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. ²² The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.  ²³ They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, two words kept reverberating in my heart and mind – Hope & Heart.  In Lamentations 3:21-23, the thought of Hope filled my spirit.  In a time of stress and distress, the prophet was encouraged by Hope. He recalled, rehearsed, and revisited some truth anchors of his heart, giving him Hope. 

God’s lovingkindness never ceases.  God’s compassion never fails.  In fact, he reminds himself that they are new every morning.  That’s a great reason to meet God early!  Begin the day in the fresh long-suffering and compassion of God!

In Mark 2:21-22, we find the revelation of Jesus through the practical domestic practice of patching clothes and the care of wine.  Many make this wholly about structure or a new religious order.  It contrasts the Old Covenant with the New Covenant. Yet, it is more about the heart than organizations.

The preceding discussion was about fasting.  Fasting is to allow the body to step down and the eyes of the heart to turn fully from the natural to the spiritual.  God does not focus on structure but on the heart.  If our hearts are open to His Spirit, Hope will naturally be the fruit.

The heart of Jesus is the heart we desire and require. Jesus’ heart can be seen in many ways, but let me suggest one of the great examples is in Matthew 26:53.   I doubt you have asked this question, but maybe you have. Jesus said that He could ask to be delivered, and the Father would immediately send more than 12 legions of angels.

Think about that.  That was an incredible expression of love to resist doing that.  He knew what was coming.   Who would want to endure that?  But what would have happened to humanity had Jesus made that request?  Love said No, I will endure the Cross because I love!

He had Hope for Humanity, and His Heart was filled with love.   He was fully surrendered to the Father’s Will.   Because His Heart was fully surrendered, the Hope of humanity was realized.

We must never lose Hope!  If we surrender our hearts fully, God will make us new Wineskins and fill us with new wine.  Hope will spring eternal in our souls, enabling us to endure anything.

LORD, help us to be filled with Hope in our Hearts!