21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2024: Day 20

Saturday, February 3
DAY 20: GOD’S PRESENCE IN OUR SUFFERING

READ
Lamentations 3:22-23; Psalm 121:1

REFLECT
Several weeks ago, a huge “rogue” wave hit the coastline of a California town, knocking down a group of unsuspecting bystanders and causing others to run for their lives. Events in our lives are like rogue waves that often catch us off guard. One minute we are enjoying life (or, at least, going through it peacefully) and the next we find ourselves on the ground not sure if we can (or want to) get up. Bad events are usually those we don’t expect. We don’t have time to prepare for them and we spend the first couple of moments after the event trying to process what occurred.

The context of Lamentations 3:22-23 is a rogue wave that had hit the Israelites. The Babylonians conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC, which became a time of great sorrow and confusion for the Israelites. Through Jeremiah the prophet, God voiced the words in verses 22-23 as a beacon of hope during a very dark time. God had sent the Babylonians as punishment for the Israelites’ sin. However, He wanted them to know even in their punishment, He still offered them great hope.

Thankfully, during our rogue waves, we are met with God’s mercy and faithfulness. God is prepared for these events even though we are not. Amid our suffering and despair, God’s character of mercy and faithfulness is a reality we can cling to. He helps us to process our difficulties, get back up, and guide us toward what to do next. Great is His faithfulness!

RESPOND
Spend time in prayer, following the Upward, Inward, Outward, Upward format.

Upward: Who God is; What God has done, is doing, will do

Inward: Who you are; How you live

Outward: Intercession for others

Today’s Prayer:
Father, as your child I admit I forget about your mercy and faithfulness available to me every day. There are times when rogue waves hit my life and knock me down. Help me to remember these waves do not catch you off guard. You never get knocked down by them. When I am down, give me the strength to look up to you and see the reality of your mercy and faithfulness in my life.

Upward: Thanksgiving and Worship

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