Reflection
Suffering and faithful endurance unite in today's readings. Lamentations and Psalm 137 express deep grief over Jerusalem's destruction and exile. Yet Lamentations reveals hope in God's unfailing love and renewed mercies. 1 Peter 4 shows that suffering for Christ is part of discipleship. It calls believers to entrust themselves to their faithful Creator while continuing to do good despite trials.

The key insight we can draw from these passages is this: Even in devastating circumstances, God's faithfulness provides hope, and we are called to endure suffering with faith and continued obedience.

Let's break this down into a simple principle:

Express honest grief while clinging to God's faithfulness, and persist in doing good even through suffering.

Here are five practical steps we can take to apply today's readings:

1. Write an honest prayer to God about one painful situation you're facing.

2. Read Lamentations 3:22-26 and write three ways God has been faithful to you.

3. Choose one way to do good today despite current difficulties.

4. Reach out to someone going through suffering with encouragement.

5. Commit one specific area of suffering to God in prayer, trusting His faithfulness.

As you go about your day, reflect on this question: How can honest lament before God be an act of faith rather than weakness?

Conclusion
Thank you for joining me today. God's faithfulness never fails, even in our deepest suffering. His mercies are new every morning. Cling to His promises and continue doing good through your trials. Until tomorrow, may you experience His renewed compassions each day.