It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. (Lamentations 3:22–24, KJV)
What a testimony after the devastation of Judah and Jerusalem by Babylon brought on by their sin against God. As we come to the Book of Lamentations, we see a poetic description of what happened to Jerusalem. Her city walls are crushed. Her Temple is destroyed. The city of Jerusalem is burned with fire. The vast majority of the people have either died or been exiled. Only a remnant remains. Amid the destruction, the author submits that it was of the Lord’s mercies they were not utterly consumed.
It is also of the Lord’s mercies that He will eventually bring His people back to the land and restore them. For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. (Lamentations 3:31–33, KJV) In this is their hope: a faithful and compassionate God!
What a reminder to us believers today that this same God is our true hope! Amid troubles, trials, and chastening, God remembers mercy. His mercy is measured by multitudes. His compassion fails not. May we let each day begin with recognizing God’s mercies as we go through life, for He is our portion—our hope!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Lamentations 1-3:36.