New Every Morning

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The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3: 22-23

The book of Lamentations is not the most uplifting of writings, but then again, Jeremiah's writings tend to be a bit darker than that of other prophets. He suffered much as a prophet, and it is reflected in his tone. Don't believe me? Take note of just a few of his comments in chapter 3: 

He has caused my flesh and my skin to waste away (v3),

He has walled me in so that I cannot go out (v7),

He is to me like a bear lying in wait (v10),

He has filled me with bitterness (v15),

I have forgotten happiness (v17).

Not very encouraging is it? Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet, and it shows. However, this same prophet turns around and gives us this great statement about God's lovingkindness. It almost seems out of character. How is this possible? Well, Jeremiah understood something that most of us struggle with, and that is that suffering is inevitable, but God's love and abiding presence is certain--at least for the believer. He tells us that God's lovingkindness (goodness and faithfulness) never cease, and God's compassions (or mercies) never fail. Even in suffering we  encounter the goodness of God. Sure it can be hard to see, especially when our attention is on our adversity rather than our Creator, but God is faithful just the same. Truthfully, if God was not good and merciful to us in suffering we would be crushed beyond repair. 

It can be difficult to see the goodness of God in our distress, but He never changes. His goodness, faithfulness, and mercy is abundant to His children. Reach out to Him in your pain and you will find a willing Heavenly Father waiting to receive you.

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