Lord, You walked with me through the desert of the worst of my days, calling me to abide with You. You created an oasis in which I could sit with You within the sound of the rivers of hope and healing. You didn’t take away the struggle or the consequence, but You stood in the shadows to see your word fulfilled in me. You are good, and your steadfast love endures forever. I give You thanks, my Lord of Hosts, in the name of Jesus, according to the good and perfect will of the Father. Amen.

“Thus says the Lord: In this place of which you say, ‘It is a waste without man or beast,’ in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without man or inhabitant or beast, there shall be heard again the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voices of those who sing, as they bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord: “‘Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”‘” (Jeremiah 33: 10-11a ESV)