Pag-ibig mo, Yahweh, ay hindi nagmamaliw; kahabagan mo’y walang kapantay. Ito ay laging sariwa bawat umaga; katapatan mo’y napakadakila.

Mga Panaghoy 3:22–23

Napakagandang pagmasdan ang pagsikat ng araw kahit nasa Luneta ka lang, nasa White Beach ng Boracay, o nasa terrace ng inyong bahay. Bawat bukang-liwayway ay may dalang pag-asa, saya, at panibagong simula. Ito rin siguro ang naramdaman ni prophet Jeremiah.

The “weeping prophet” witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem under the brutal rule of the Babylonians because of sins, disobedience, and rejection of God’s Word. The temple was destroyed; the city desolate and ruined; the king exiled; the young ones enslaved; and the people maltreated, harmed, and killed. In this seemingly miserable circumstance, Jeremiah remembered God’s mercy and faithfulness that ignited hope in his heart. Hope and restoration are possible when we repent and turn back to God.  

Napakagandang isipin na ang pagmamahal at kahabagan ng Diyos ay laging bago bawat umaga, hindi ito naluluma, nauubos o niri-“refill” lang. Ito ay laging bago.  Bawat pagsikat ng araw, may dalang pag-asa na matatapos din ang hirap na iyong pinagdaraanan, may dala itong lakas upang harapin ang panibagong hamon ng buhay, kasama nito ang kapatawaran sa mga nagawang kasalanan at taglay nito ang pangako ng magandang bukas.

A nationwide survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed that 92% of Filipinos are hopeful. “Amidst the various challenges Filipinos face on a daily basis, most of them continue to remain optimistic. This is the prevailing sentiment in every geographic area and socio-economic grouping,” the survey said.

Psalm 36:5 (NRSVA) declares “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” God’s love and faithfulness are His enduring commitment to His children to take care of them, love them, and if necessary, discipline them.