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Devotions with Pastor Bob, Middlebury, VT (2026)

06/23/2026

DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR BOB
One Thing I Ask of The Lord (part # 2)

DAVID PRAYS PSALM 27:7-14 (NLT)
7 - Hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me!
8 - My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me. And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”
9 - Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation!
10 - Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.
11 - Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.
12 - Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence.
13 - Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.
14 - Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.

David is pouring his heart out to the Lord. He is seeking the Lord with all his heart.

Matthew 6:33 says,
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

Hosea 10:12
I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’

HOW LONG DO WE SEEK THE LORD? THE ANSWER IS UNTIL HE COMES…

We are called to seek the Lord continually throughout our entire lives, standardizing our pursuit until His final return or until He answers our specific cry.

David brings up the fact that God has always been faithful to him in verse nine.

"You have always been my helper. Do not reject your servant in anger."

In other words, “God, you have helped me before, don’t let me down now!”

David balances his absolute confidence in God's past faithfulness with a raw, humble plea for continued protection.

Psalm 63:7:
"Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings."

Psalm 38:21-22:
"Do not forsake me, Lord; even so, do not be far from me, my God."

David had assurance that God would not desert him in his time of need.

He says, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.”

Wow! David knew that God had accepted him as his own adopted son.

DAVID MAKES 2 REQUESTS IN HIS PRAYER IN VERSE eleven;

1 - Teach me how to live, O LORD.

2 - Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.

DAVID TALKS TO THE LORD ABOUT HIS STRUGGLES in VERSE twelve.

He talks about how people were mistreating him, about how his enemies wanted to harm him.

He talks about how false witnesses were telling lies about him and were rising up against him and about how they were saying all sorts of evil things about him.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 -Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

6 - Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

DAVID THEN EXPRESSES HIS CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD in verse thirteen & fourteen.;

He declares unwavering assurance that he will personally experience the Lord's goodness in his lifetime, concluding with a powerful exhortation to actively wait on God and be courageous.
Even when facing overwhelming circumstances, David chooses to anchor his soul in the certainty of God's character.
Waiting on the Lord is not passive resignation, but an intentional posture of trust and steadfastness.
David reminds himself—and the reader—to take courage, knowing that God will sustain and fortify a weary heart.

Charles H. Spurgeon said,
Wait on the Lord.
Wait at his door with prayer;
Wait at his foot with humility;
Wait at his table with service;
Wait at his window with expectancy.

THIS BRINGS US BACK TO THE ONE THING THAT DAVID WANTED FROM THE LORD.

“I want to live in the house of the Lord (in his presence) all the days of my life (Beholding, hearing, seeking, learning, walking, and waiting).”

This is what God wants for each and every one of us!

He desires for us to live our lives in his presence all of our days!

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unwavering presence. Our hearts have heard You say, “Seek My face,” and together we respond: Your face, Lord, we will seek. We ask for Your mercy and grace to cover us. Do not hide Your face from us, and never cast us off, for You alone are the God of our salvation. Lord, when the paths ahead feel uncertain or hostile, we ask that You teach us Your ways. Lead us along a straight and level path. Protect our minds and hearts from the arrows of doubt, anxiety, or the negativity of the world around us. Even if human relationships fail us, we rest in the absolute assurance that You will always hold us close and take us in. We live today with an unshakeable confidence that we will see Your goodness active in the land of the living. Grant us the patience to wait on Your perfect timing. Make us strong, fill our hearts with courage, and help us to rely completely on You. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

06/22/2026

DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR BOB
“Our Focus Affects Our Faith”

I have seen a picture that shows up on Facebook.

It is a picture of Jesus sitting in a chair frustrated and exasperated because of what is happening in the world. It is as if Jesus is saying I give up!

I do not believe this is the case for a minute.

Jesus is not frustrated, or exasperated because of what is transpiring in our world. Jesus remains completely at peace regardless of global events. His perspective is rooted in divine sovereignty, eternal victory, and profound love rather than human anxiety

We are the ones who are frustrated and exasperated because we are focused on the circumstances instead of the Lord.

It is easy to lose sight of peace when we focus entirely on our immediate problems.
Shifting our focus from difficult circumstances back to faith often brings a renewed sense of calm and perspective.

Philippians 4:8 (AMP)
Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

We do need to keep up on what is taking place in the world, but we do not have to fill our minds up with hours of negative news every day.

The apostle Paul says to think continually on these things.

When we do this, we will be amazed at how optimistic we will become and how our mood improves.

Hebrew 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

A good illustration of keeping our eyes on Jesus is Peter when he walked on the water.
At first, he had his eyes on Jesus, Jesus told him to come, Peter’s eyes were on Him, but then he placed his focus on the wind and the waves and began to sink.

Peter was allowing his mind to be consumed by his circumstances.

Then he cried out for Jesus to save him, Jesus grabbed him by the hand and they walked on the water to the boat (Matthew 14:22-33).

OUR FOCUS AFFECTS OUR FAITH!

Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

The Apostle Paul is telling the Roman Christians that there is a change that needs to take place in their thinking to align them with God’s.

God's ways are often very different from the ways of the world.

Ephesians 4:20-24 (NLT)

“But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

God never gets frustrated because of what is happening in our world.

Politics, and injustice, all cause us frustration.
But God doesn’t lose sleep like we do because things are going contrary to that which we expected.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

No matter what happens, God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God.

As Christians who love God, we have assurance that God is working in our circumstances causing everything to work together for the good. UN-like us, God cannot be defeated or disappointed.

Let us rest our souls both for time and eternity, in His will.
What better place of safety and security could there possibly be in these difficult times?

I believe the artist in the painting Jesus being exasperated was reflecting their own frustration with what is going on in our world.

I see Jesus exalted upon the throne, preparing to return and turn this world upside down.
God’s plan will not be stopped by any of the schemes of the enemy.

When I was a kid, everybody didn’t have cell phones like today. So, when our mothers wanted us to come in for supper, she would call for us out the front door that it was time to come home.

God is calling his children to Himself during these turbulent times.

For centuries, believers have found strength in the belief that God calls His children closer to Him during periods of global trial, with the anticipation of the Second Coming serving as a profound source of hope and comfort in turbulent times.
Believers are encouraged to lift their heads, knowing their salvation is drawing near.
In Matthew 24:6-13, Jesus instructs his followers not to be alarmed by world conflicts, natural disasters, or persecution.

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that You guard our minds and anchor our hearts. In a world so full of distractions and worries, we confess that our focus easily drifts from Your truth. Lord, forgive us for looking more at our problems than at Your promises. Please realign our vision. Help us to fix our eyes on You, knowing that as our focus sharpens, our faith grows stronger and our doubts fade away. Give us the courage to live with a renewed spirit, keeping our attention fixed on things above. Let Your peace go with us, and may our lives reflect Your love in everything we do. In Jesus name we pray, amen!

06/21/2026

DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR BOB
“One Thing I Ask of The Lord”

Psalm 27:1-4 (NLT)
1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
2 - When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
3 - Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
4 - The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.

CONFIDENCE IN GOD
Talk about having confidence in the Lord, David had it.

My question for David would be, ‘how did you develop such a confidence in God?’

David developed his unshakeable confidence in God through a lifetime of practiced faith habits, actively remembering past victories, and being deeply honest in prayer.
Rather than relying on his own strength, he built his trust by reflecting on how God delivered him from past dangers, like lions, bears, and Goliath.
Confidence in God is not usually formed overnight; it develops over time as you step out in faith and witness His character in real, everyday situations. This reliance transforms abstract belief into a firm, unshakable trust.
David actively recalled and recorded how God had been his refuge and strength in times of crisis.

DAVID ASKS THE LORD FOR ONE THING in verse four;

David asked to live in the house of the Lord all the days of his life,

“To live,” is describing a relationship between individuals.

DAVID GIVES US THE REASON FOR HIS REQUEST

delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.

We can’t delight in the Lord’s perfections and meditate in His Temple if we’re not in his presence.

DAVID GOES ON TO TALK ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF LIVING IN GOD’S PRESENCE.

Psalm 27:5-6 (NLt)
For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.

These are some of the benefits from living in the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 73:28 (NLT)
But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Asaph wrote this after a major crisis of faith.
He looked around and saw corrupt, cruel people living in luxury and ease while he was suffering.
He began to wonder if living a holy life was completely pointless

Hebrews 10:22 (NLT)
Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Because the way has been made clear through the cross, we can step forward boldly and peacefully into God’s presence without fear.

Psalm 65:4 (NLT)
What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple.

The verse highlights that it is God who initiates the relationship, choosing and bringing individuals close to Him.

May we praise God for the immense privilege of being chosen, forgiven, and invited into His intimate presence.

There is a deep peace and satisfaction in drawing close to God and experiencing his presence.

PRAYER
We thank you dear Father for being our light, and our salvation, and our strength in this dark world. Though circumstances may come against us to try to make us anxious, or even try to destroy us, Father, you have promised that You will not allow that to happen. Like David, we ask that You will direct us to constantly seek after you so that we will be able to enjoy our relationship with You continually. Sometimes it can seem as if you do not see the urgency of our situations. Forgive us for that kind of thinking because it implies that you are not in control. Instead, help us to see waiting, as a tool that you use to teach us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

06/20/2026

Devotions with Pastor Bob
THE LOVE OF GOD IS. . .

Romans 12:9-21 (NLT)
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,“I will take revenge;bI will pay them back,” says the Lord.
20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

In Romans 12 the Apostle Paul gives some very good practical advice for living here in this present world as a Christians.
In verse one he encourages the Roman Christians and us to offer up our bodies to him while we are still alive as living sacrifices.

Then in verse two he says not to live the way this world lives. He goes one step further by encouraging them and us to let our way of thinking be completely changed.

In verses 3-8 he gives instruction concerning the gifts of the Spirit which helps us in serving one another in the body of Christ.

In verses 9-21 Paul proceeds to give some very practical applications for how we are to live in the world as Christians.

LOVE IS THE SOIL WHICH EVERYTHING COMES FORTH FROM.
He says that love must be honest, sincere and active. We as Christians are not to just pretend to love others; we are to really love them.

Paul adds to what he has already said about love, when he says that we are to love one another deeply with genuine affection and be devoted to one another with authentic brotherly affection as members of one family.

In 1Corinthians 13 Paul expands on what this God kind of love is like, it is a love that never fails.

1 - LOVE WHAT GOD LOVES AND HATE WHAT HE HATES.
Hate what is evil, detest all ungodliness, and don’t tolerate wickedness. Instead we are to hold on to what is good.

Loving God and others will mean we will need to know what deeds are of the ungodly and wicked.

2 - LOVE HONORS OTHERS MORE THAN OURSELVES
Paul writes and tells them and us to give preference to one another in honor. We are to honor others more than ourselves and also to take delight in doing it.

4 - A LOVE FILLED LIFE WILL PRODUCE ENTHUSIASM
Paul exhorts the Roman Christians to stay excited about their faith and never to be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

When we are to continually be rejoicing, and have a confident hope in Christ, then we will be steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer and continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength.

When we suffer and are in distress, we are to devote ourselves to prayer, continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength.

We will share what we have with other Christians who are in need by giving them meals and a place to stay who need it, always we will always be eager to practice hospitality.

We will bless those who persecute us who cause us harm or hardship.

We will rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

5 - A LOVE FILLED LIFE WILL HELP US PRODUCE A PROPER VIEW OF OURSELVES.

Living in harmony with one another without being haughty, conceited, self-important, or exclusive, but we will associate with humble people.

We do not overestimate ourselves and we agree with one another and are not boastful.

We are to be willing to be friends with people who aren’t considered important, and we do not think that we are better than others.

6 - A LOVE FILLED LIFE WILL PRODUCE A PEACEFUL LIFE
Paul says we are to pray and give thanks for those who make trouble for us. This is the road to peace when we can release those who persecute and hate us to God therefore creating peace in our lives.

We are to never pay back evil with evil. We need to try to understand where others are at.

7 - Love takes into consideration what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone.

If possible, live in peace with everyone.

He says, don’t try to get even with others, but leave room for God to show his anger. Let God take care of it.

Deuteronomy 32:35 says,
“I am the God who judges people. I will pay them back,” says the Lord.’

8 - A LOVE FILLED LIFE OVERCOMES EVIL BY DOING GOOD

Proverbs 25:21,22 says,
“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads. Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.”

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the profound and challenging truth of Your Word. We pray that the Holy Spirit will write these instructions onto our hearts. Lord, we ask that our love for You and for one another would be genuine and sincere—free from hypocrisy. Give us the strength to truly hate what is evil and to cling tightly to what is good. Help us to outdo one another in showing honor and to be a community marked by deep, sacrificial affection. Keep our spirits fervent and zealous in Your service. When the days are difficult, let us rejoice in our confident hope. Please give us patience in affliction, and make us faithful in prayer. Remind us to be generous, sharing with those in need and always eager to show hospitality. Father, we pray for the grace to live in harmony with one another. Give us empathy to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep. Most of all, we ask for supernatural strength to love those who are hard to love. Bless those who persecute us. Keep us from seeking revenge, and help us to remember that vengeance belongs to You. Instead, give us the courage to do good to our enemies—feeding them when they are hungry and giving them drink when they are thirsty. Keep us from being overcome by evil, and empower us to overcome evil with good. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

06/19/2026

DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR BOB
KEEPING OUR FOCUS ON JESUS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORMS OF LIFE
MATTHEW 14:22-31 (NLT)
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.
23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.
25 About three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So, Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
KEEPING OUR FOCUS ON JESUS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORMS OF LIFE IS NOT EASY!
The storms can be filled with so many things that threaten to destroy us. But Jesus is with us in the middle of the most difficult circumstances that we will ever face in our lives. (Matthew 28:20).
We could lose our jobs; and then how are we going to make ends meet?
But Jesus says peace be still! (I am here!) (Mark 4:39).
Our nation is in turmoil, and our future looks bleak. But Jesus says, “let not your heart be troubled or afraid! (I am here) (John 14:27).
The storms seem so threatening and want to fill us with fear, but Jesus says, I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
The apostle Peter and the other disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee one night when they were caught in a sudden, horrifying storm. The wind and the waves threatened to capsize their boat.
As the disciples struggled against the elements, they saw something that scared them even more than the storm.
In the distance, illuminated by flashes of lightning, was a person walking on top of the water. They were convinced they were seeing a ghost until they looked more closely and saw it was Jesus walking toward them.
While everyone else panicked, Peter asked Jesus if he could join Him on the water. Keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus, Peter stepped out of the boat and onto the Sea of Galilee and walked on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the winds were and how high the waves were, he was filled with fear and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus, who was there with him, to save him. Jesus took him by the hand, and they walked on the water to the boat together.
Peter’s experience offers a helpful analogy of hope for all of us. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk in the miraculous, but when he took his eyes off Jesus, he started to get overwhelmed by his circumstances. Notice that he didn’t sink so far that Jesus couldn’t reach out and save him.
I am sure you will agree with me that we live in a world full of all kinds of storms; waves of financial despair, winds of emotional upheaval, the thunder of relationship issues, and personal failures, all these things threaten to pull us under.
Yet as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, clinging to his promises, we can also walk in the miraculous with him (Philippians 4:13).
When we are full of fear, it is because we have not fully experienced the perfect love of God (1 John 4:18).
Love is a characteristic of God; love is not something He just does, it is something that He is (1 John 4:8).
So, are we fully experiencing his perfect love in our lives today?
The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:5 (NLT),
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, God continually fills our hearts with His perfect love, casting out all fear.
Peter was able to walk on the water even after he sank that night because he held onto the hand of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak, just as Jesus helped Peter in his time of weakness when he was overcome with fear. (Romans 8:26).
As we grow in our relationship with God, we will find ourselves fearing less and trusting more. Then we will become more secure in God’s love, and then we will naturally trust Him more.
In this story of Peter, notice that Jesus told Peter to come and walk on the water with Him, knowing that Peter would sink because of his focus on the circumstances. Jesus knew that Peter would sink both literally and figuratively.
Climbing back into the boat, Peter’s faith in Jesus was stronger than ever.
Jesus even asked him, “Why did you doubt me?” He already knew the answer to His question, and He understood that Peter was learning what it means to trust in God’s love.
In John 21:15-17, Jesus had a serious talk with Peter.
Jesus had been resurrected from the dead, and He talked to Peter about “love.”
Jesus wanted Peter to understand that love had to be given away to others. He told Peter that if he truly loved Him, then he needed to take care of and feed His sheep.
God’s love is the ultimate key to overcoming fear. When fear threatens to overwhelm us and we cry out to Him, the Holy Spirit reaches into our storm, pulls us to safety, and floods our hearts with God's love."
PRAYER
Dear Father, we want to learn to trust in your love more. When the storms come into our lives, let our first response be to trust in your love and care. Your love will keep us from being overcome with fear during those storms of life. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for continually pouring God’s love into our hearts. Help us also to love and care for each other as You love and care for us, in Jesus name, amen!

06/18/2026

DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR BOB
“Hope At Last”

LAMENTATIONS 3:22-33 (NLT)
22 The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
25 The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.
27 And it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of his discipline:
28 Let them sit alone in silence beneath the LORD’s demands.
29 Let them lie face down in the dust, for there may be hope at last.
30 Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them and accept the insults of their enemies.
31 For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.
33 For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.

HOPE CAN BE CHALLENGING
I know it can be challenging to live without hope. The Old Testament book of Lamentations offers some helpful spiritual advice for dealing with such uncertain times.

Most scholars think Lamentations was written by the prophet Jeremiah after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. He had been an eyewitness to the destruction of the Temple and the city.

There is something about this book of the Bible that is unique. The Hebrew title for the book is ‘ekah, which is translated as “How!”…with an exclamation point.

The opening words of the book are “How deserted lies the city once so full of people!”

Only later did Jewish tradition adopt the name “Lamentations,” because of the depressing subject matter.

Maybe some of you are saying, “How?”
- How did this happen?
- How did I get here?
- How did I end up in this situation?
- How am I going to get through this?

HOW CHALLENGING LIFE CAN BE SOMETIMES?

The five poems of Lamentations are filled with depressing words and a lot of “How are we going to get through this” type expressions.

The Babylonians had invaded Jerusalem, killing thousands, destroying the once proud city, and had taken into captivity the best and the brightest of Judah.

Jeremiah lamented the loss of all they had once relied upon. He was well aware that the sin of the people had brought about this destruction, but that could not stop his overwhelming heartache as revealed throughout the book.

To show his true despair, this great prophet of God reveals the toll his spiritual life took from all this tragedy that surrounded him.

He says in Lamentations 3:8,
“Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer.”
Jeremiah was giving voice to how all the people felt.

Where is God in the midst of pain and uncertainty?

How could you let this happen, God?

Maybe you’ve been there. Perhaps you, too, have experienced times of lamentations. You have cried out, where are you God? How did we end up here, God?

So how do we get through this?” How do we restore Hope?

BEGIN BY PRACTICING HUMILITY (JAMES 4:10)

In Lamentations 3:20 we read:
“It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Then, in Lamentations 3:40 we read the challenge of Jeremiah to the people:
“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”

THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM HAD SINNED GREATLY

The destruction they experienced was due to their own failure, sin, and lack of faith.
- They needed to repent.
- They needed to show humility.
- They needed a renewed faith.

We should all examine our hearts and return to the Lord if necessary
We must humble ourselves, recognizing that God is in control, and then wait upon Him with expectant dependence.

We must also examine our ways and throw out the things that are interfering with a growing relationship with our Lord.

And then, we must return to the Lord and know that He has not abandoned us.
He has been faithful all along the way, even when we have not been.
His faithfulness is evident every day.
Because God is faithful, we need to live in hope every day.

It didn’t take long for Jeremiah to be seized with hope in the midst of crisis, for right in the very middle of this sad book of the Bible comes great inspiration!

Lamentations 3:22-25.
22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.

In the midst of sadness, we are given a lift from God himself!

Hear the words that describe God’s character – love, compassion, faithfulness, provision, goodness and hope.

No matter what may be occurring around us, God is very much present in the midst of what is going on. So, keep hope alive my friends!

The Lord is all we need, even if everything else is removed from us.
The clouds of despair cannot obliterate the brightness of hope.

Even in the darkest times, hope remains a powerful force that can carry us through.

Psalm 73:25 (NLT),
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we anchor our souls in Your unchanging character. We are reminded that because of Your great love, we are not consumed, for Your compassions never fail. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning, and that great is Your faithfulness. In moments of weariness or uncertainty, You are our portion, and we choose to place our hope in You. We thank You for the deep assurance that though we may face seasons of grief or discipline, You do not willingly afflict or grieve us. Your ultimate desire is to show compassion and bring healing from the abundance of Your steadfast love. As we step into the rest of our day and week, help us to wait quietly for Your salvation and to trust in Your goodness. May we carry the fragrance of Your unfailing grace, resting securely in the knowledge that You will never cast us off forever. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Devotions with Pastor Bob

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

06/21/2026

06/20/2026

06/19/2026

06/18/2026

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