Lamentations Chapter 3: Verses 21-23 (NIV)
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Jeremiah lived in difficult, distressing times. He did not have an easy ministry and what God told him to say, the people didn’t want to hear. Consequently, he was persecuted and he also saw great suffering in the land. Even in chapters 2 and 3 of Lamentations, the conditions he describes are of awful conditions of siege, war and famine. Sadly, much of which we are currently seeing today. Yet in spite of this, what struck me is the fact that Jeremiah made the huge effort to recall all that God had done in the past, and he looked forward to what God would do again in the future. He also reminds us that God’s mercies are new every day.
Jeremiah reminds us that there is a place for recalling all the good things and the blessings that God has given us, and sometimes, when we are in the middle of hard times, it takes a determined effort to do that. However, I think that the very act of doing so will draw us into God, especially at a time we need it most. But what if we have messed up? Jeremiah tells us that God will have compassion on us. In such circumstances we need to come before God and repent. Then pick ourselves up and carry on walking with God who will show us new mercies every morning. That’s because He loves us; the very reason, in fact, that Jeremiah said that he could have hope. And the good news is, it applies to us too!
Dear Lord,
May I not look back with regret, but only to recall Your goodness and Your hand on my life. Thank You that You want me to walk with You daily, providing for my needs as I go. I am grateful for Your grace and mercy. Amen.