Better Days
God on Monday
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‘The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah’ (Jer 33:14).
Reflection
The stresses and strains of everyday life can make it feel as if easier days are out of reach. I have recently been through a period in which there seemed to be too many pressures at work; policy deadlines, difficult relationships, and new responsibilities. At times like these, it is good to be reminded that one of God’s names - Immanuel - means that God is with us. As our late Queen reminded us, ‘better days will return.’
In the verse from Jeremiah above, God’s people are reminded that the day will come when God’s promises will be fulfilled, and their promised saviour will come. There is no room for uncertainty – ‘the days are surely coming.’
Each year at Advent we too are reminded that better times are on their way. Even if we feel we are in the fire, God is in the fire with us and is working to rescue us. That work may eventually become visible and we find ourselves enjoying life again. Or it may remain concealed, and we need to hold on to the promise that one day ‘God will wipe away every tear’ (Rev 7:17).
Response
Are you struggling – perhaps with work stresses, or with physical or mental illness? What promises of God do you need to hold on to? Take time to seek God’s presence, to be assured of God’s love, and to know that God’s plans for you are good.
Prayer
Father God, thank you that you are the God of hope. You gave your son Jesus to bring hope – hope for us as individuals and hope for our world. Help us this week to know that you are with us. If we get bogged down, remind us that better days are surely coming.
Next Steps
If you find yourself stressed this week, actively invite God into it. To help ingrain this spiritual habit, check out
The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence.
This Week's Author
Fiona McGill, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds.
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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the coming Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.
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