Day 9 - Lent 2026

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.”  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.  Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.

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 3:22-33

It is such a comfort to focus on God’s embrace during our most difficult times.  Our instinct is to be held.  We were held in the womb. When we are born, we are wrapped tightly in those hospital blankets to mimic that feeling of being held tightly.  Just like a crying baby that just wants to be held, we seek to be held by God when we are in distress. God does not cast us away but wraps us in His steadfast unfailing love. 

No matter how the situation looks we must wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.  We must trust God’s timing for all of our situations. While we are waiting on the Lord we still have hope.  The Lord is good to hose whose hope is in him. His mercies are new every morning. There is hope after devastation. Hope in our seasons of grief. Hope in our pain.  When we are suffering it may seem like God is far away but know that he is near. 

Let us pray.

Lord God, we thank you for your new mercies every morning that you open our eyes. Great is your faithfulness oh God.   All of our hope is in you.  We are so thankful for your compassionate presence during our suffering.    We trust in your Lord God, we wait on you, Lord God.  Your timing is perfect. We praise you our ever present God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

SUBMITTED BY ELDER VALERIE O’CONNOR