Scripture - Lam 3:22-25 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
Observation - As Jeremiah penned this poetic book describing God's punishment toward sin and rebellion, I see in this scripture hope, love and reasons to keep going. It is so amazing how God deals with individuals and even though we are reprimanded and corrected for our rebellion and sin, God is still absolutely in love with his people. Sin which leaves us in places that are barren and dry and filled with obstacles and challenges. The words of Jeremiah here are so pointed and clear. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. No matter how far we go or where we are right now we will not be overtaken. Each day we can arise to new compassion from God and new mercies that draw us back to him.
Application - as a pastor of a local church I am regularly dealing with people that are on the brink of total melt down. Some decisions in their lives have taken them to places that are extremely unpleasant. Some are just simply going through the process of growing in God and are walking through some major crucible experiences. No matter the case, God is not going to allow us to be consumed. We are not going to be overtaken, as a matter of fact when we keep our eyes on him and our hope in him the Lord is good to us. Sometimes these experiences last for quite some time. Some are only a few days, some are a few weeks and some can last longer. The greatest news is that every morning we awake to fresh compassion from God. Every morning our strenght can be renewed. Every morning we are walking in the fresh touch of God's hand and are able to win and to conquer that days challenges. As I begin my day I am excited to know that God is compassionate toward me today. His faithfulness is great and we will make it. As I go through experiences myself - I must remember always that I have decided "The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait on Him."
Prayer - Lord, I Love You! Because of Your great love I am not consumed. God I thank you for who you are in my life. The strength, the compassion, the hope, the endurance and the passion to live everyday with victory and success.
