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.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
A cursory read over the first few chapters of Lamentations is quite sobering. The author has seen the fall of his country into the hands of an oppressor. This fall was prophesied by God. And it was a just judgment by God. The Israelites had turned away from righteousness and worshiping the one true God and turned to idol worship, sinful practices, and self-focused living.
And so I find this nugget, inside this book that laments in the Bible. The writer refocuses his mind on the forever true attributes of God: His love, His mercy (or compassion), his faithfulness, and his salvation.
What life challenges do I have personally right now? What cultural wickedness do I see in the statehouses, media, and world around me? Will I lament over this? Will I cry out to God? And will I remember his attributes that I can depend on?
Reflection points today:
1) Because of God’s great love I am not consumed. He looks more at my potential in him and less at my falls and mistakes. He made a way through Jesus for me to be reconciled to him, to be purified and renewed in my spirit.
2) God’s mercy for me is new every morning. He loves me and forgives me. He restores me to righteousness. How can I have mercy on others like God has mercy on me?
3) God is faithful. He shows up and helps me. He is not a God of heady advice. He is a God who is actively involved in helping lighten the load and encourage and heal those in his care. How can I be a faithful friend to others and actively encourage and lend a hand?
4) God saves me. He comes to my aid and rescue. I must trust him and wait on him. His timing is not always my timing.
Lord, thank you for your wonderful attributes that I can rely on all the time. You are loving, merciful, faithful, and you save me. Help me to reflect these attributes in the relationships I am in as well.
