“it is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22

The prophet Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. He expressed his grief for the afflictions for his people during their exile and the ruin of Jerusalem. As he laments over the circumstances surrounding the Israelites, he recalls the unending mercy of God. His hope is renewed, and he turns his eyes off of “self” and focused on to God. Lamentations 3:21 he states, “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope”.

Israel’s sins had brought her to experience God’s chastisement. Jerusalem lay in ruin, and they were once again enslaved and oppressed by the enemy. All seemed hopeless. But God…because of His lovingkindness, in time the walls were rebuilt under the prophet Nehemiah; many of those in exile were able to return to their homeland. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22

God’s rejection and chastisement of His children when we sin is never final or without just cause. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Hebrews 12:6. Just as Jeremiah we too must take our eyes off of self and place our eyes on the Lord. He loves us beyond our greatest imagine and we must follow His divine will. Psalm 30:5 reminds us “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Even in our unfaithfulness to God, His faithfulness and mercy is with us forever. “They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23. That denotes a fresh start, a clean slate each day…that ushers in hope for every tomorrow! “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. God lovingly and without stretched hands, just as the father of the prodigal son, welcomes us back into fellowship when we truly repent of our sins.

“The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” Lamentations 3:24. God has great things already prepared for His beloved children…an inheritance not made by hands, and no one can take what God has given. Our afflictions and tribulations force us to learn patience, and patience helps us to endure experiences which instill faithful reminders of God’s unfailing promise to work all things out for good; ultimately our constant companion, the Holy Spirit, unceasingly reminds us of the assured hope that we have in Almighty God, He will never leave us alone. Faithfully trust in His divine compassion!