Responsive Reading: Jeremiah 30
15. Why criest thou for thine affliction?
16. All they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.
17. For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.
When I woke this morning, it felt as though mortal mind was already working against tonight’s meeting. Wednesday’s can be very tough that way. Then I read the lesson and found the above verses. What a wonderful promise is given: Those negative, unreal thoughts will be devoured! After every testimony meeting I have been a part of, God has given me proof that this occurs because I have felt all the resistance ebb away to be replaced by this amazing feeling of peace and joy.
Since I know this happens, I really need to ask myself: “Why criest thou for thine affliction?” God has delivered me from so much already, and the Bible and Science and Health are filled with even more promises. I don’t need to cry about it, worry about it, or stress about it — I just need to do the work He gives me, and take joy in it.
As Paul said: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
And of course, Christ Jesus said: “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30) If he could say that with all he went through, there is no reason for me to feel otherwise.
Now, I feel ready for tonight, and I am certain it will be a blessing to all!
I am so grateful for this church and this week’s lesson. Thank you!