Lamentations 3:22-23

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): “22  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23  they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Pastor Chuck Smith once said, “When you encounter those things that you don’t understand, fall back on those things that you do.” What we know for sure is this: God loves us, He is for us, His mercies are new every morning, and He will remain faithful even when we are not!

The book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, was written shortly after the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon. It is a eulogy of sorts, expressing deep sorrow over the destruction of the nation. Yet in chapter 3, a glimmer of hope shines through. The writer reminds himself—and those reading—that God is forever faithful, His love is steadfast, and His mercies are unending and new every morning. In other words, there is hope beyond the circumstance.

How do you view God when life blindsides you? Maybe it’s a diagnosis or a devastating event that shakes your world. Do you find yourself blaming God for your misfortune? In those moments, we must shift our focus to what we know about God. We may not understand why we are going through what we are, but we can lean on what we do know: God is faithful. He loves us. And His mercies are poured out daily upon us. May our minds dwell on what we know rather than on why we suffer. Amen?

Father, we thank You for being our constant in a life full of change. Remind us of what we know about You when all seems hopeless. Preach the Gospel to our hearts when our spirits are low. Remind us of who You are, so that we can praise You even in the valley. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.