The Lord's Lovingkindess

Photo by Patrick Fore

Lamentations 3:21-24 

21. This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. 22. The LORD’S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. 23. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.”

As we come to the end of one year, we often look back and reflect on the events of the past year. Usually there are some regrets for things not done or accomplished, some sadness for unanticipated painful events or losses, and as always, guilt for all those unfulfilled resolutions we eagerly set for ourselves at the beginning of last year. Somehow things never turn out the way we planned. 

As we reflect on the past, Lamentations is probably not the go to book for encouragement. The word itself means “a passionate expression of grief or sorrow”, not very uplifting. Remember that the writer of the book, the prophet Jeremiah, was speaking to the Israelites as he is watching the destruction Jerusalem and the fall of the Jewish nation. Not a good time and not an encouraging message. Or was it?

In the midst of this situation, Jeremiah recalls to mind several important things about the God he serves. God’s lovingkindness never ceases! It is given in abundance and is without end and you cannot get away from it. His compassion never fails. He always sees you with a heart that is burdened with sympathy for you in your suffering and pain and He is ready to respond. The prophet even adds that they are new every morning. Each day is a new day for you and His lovingkindness and compassion is also new and abounds for that day. 

All of this is ultimately grounded in His faithfulness. As God, He can do no other than demonstrate His love and compassion. Therefore, we can rest comfortably in this assurance no matter our circumstances.

I encourage each of you as you reflect on the past year, however it may have been for you, to rejoice that you serve a God who is so faithful in His lovingkindness and compassion. I have hope, and so do you. As we began a new year, I am excited and anticipate great things from God. 

Mike and Terri Branch feel privileged to be serving God, the church, and missionaries around the world from their base in Schooley’s Mountain, New Jersey. They especially care about serving those who need to hear the good news of God’s love demonstrated through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.