Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Do you ever wonder if God gives up on you? When we find ourselves in the same battle over and over again, we might wonder, “has God emptied out his patience for me?” This verse refreshes our hope and reminds us that God’s love and mercy never run out. In the midst of messing up, we are reminded that God’s mercies are new each day. We can never stray out of the reach of God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness. And when we turn our heart to God, He changes us from the inside out.
God’s love is a constant, steadfast love. His love for us doesn’t change by what we do or don’t do. But God takes all sin seriously, and the Bible tells us that the punishment of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Yet that’s not where our story has to end-through Christ, God offers his mercy. What are you waiting for? When we truly realize our disobedience to God, it is humbling and our heart grieves that we have chosen our way over God’s way.
When we repent, we come to God in a helpless state. But God doesn’t say, “sorry, not this time,” “you’ve gone too far,” or “we’ve been over this too many times.” Instead, when we seek His forgiveness and mercy, we are assured that God welcomes us and through Christ extends grace and forgives us completely (Hebrews 8:12).
In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah pens his anguish over the destruction of Jerusalem. The nation of Judah had continued to rebel and turn away from God, and it would appear that God had finally run out of love for His people. But in the midst of grief and lament, Jeremiah remembers the tenderness and faithfulness of God’s love and mercy, and he reminds us that the steadfast love of God never ceases! Have you ever noticed sunlight piercing through a tiny opening in a sky full of thick dark clouds? That is our key verse today. Israel was certainly in a mess and would appear to have hit bottom, but Jeremiah knew that out of this place God would bring redemption and healing for His people, and God did! He will for you too-what are you waiting for?
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank you for your endless love and mercy. There is not a single day that goes by that I don’t sin in some way. Prick my heart today and reveal areas to me where I have disobeyed you, God. Let me fully realize my sin, that my heart would grieve and desire change. Let me not wait a single day to come to you for forgiveness and mercy. Thank you for never giving up on me. Continue to refine me and make me more like Jesus. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver