Articles
God’s Steadfast Mercy
“Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’” (Lamentations 3:22-24)
It is amazing as one reads through the pre-exilic prophecies to find amidst the fiery judgment of God constant reminders of his mercy (Jeremiah 23:20; 23:5,6). Idolatrous Judah deserved God’s justice. However, we get a glimpse of God’s grace and future plans for Israel and Judah. It is to raise up a king to save her!
In Jeremiah’s Lamentations, mixed with the black cloud of remorse, we are assured of the unceasing mercies of God. Jeremiah looks away from the calamities of Jerusalem and to the compassion of Jehovah.
“Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed.” God’s mercy is undeserving. Man has done much to provoke God’s anger. He has not only sinfully rebelled against God, but he has unjustly murmured againstHim. Yet, according to God’s loving kindness “His compassions fail not.”
“They are new every morning.” Just as God refreshes the earth with rain and the sunshine, He faithfully bestows His mercies upon His people. Each day can begin with clean slate before God.
“The LORD is my portion, says my soul.” If money, power, or pleasure is our portion, these can be easily lost. Without Divine favor the wealthiest and most popular on earth are poor; but, with God’s favor even the poorest can be made rich. Those things which refresh the eternal soul exceed in value.
“Therefore I hope in Him!” One of life’s greatest disappointments is the failure to receive an anticipated gift. Because God is faithful, He has invited confidence, and He will never fail us. He always remains true to a promise!
It is in Jesus Christ that these marvelous attributes of God are best manifested. He is our Savior!. Let us learn from Solomon and his heart—and desire most of all to draw close to our God!
