Just as I do every week, I endeavor to read each day a passage that we’ll be studying as a way to prepare my heart for hearing from God when we gather. The passage is a bit longer this week, so I’ve been digesting it in smaller parts. This morning I read a section of Lamentations which included the two verses that Lamentations is famous for, Lamentations 3:22-23. Consider these remarkable words from the author:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

If you don’t have time to read the whole book this week, at least read those verses, and devotionally reflect on these verses.  I was in awe as I considered afresh this morning God’s love and mercy.  Think about those words “never ceases.”  Can you believe it – the Lord’s love toward us never ceases.  My love is so fickle at times.  I wish it weren’t so, but sadly it waxes and wanes.  His steadfast love toward us never ceases.

Similarly, his mercies never come to an end.  As those who have received mercy, we are to be merciful.  Too often I have been unmerciful toward others.  Sadly, I’ve been unkind, unsympathetic, impatient, and downright rude to my wife and children and friends and family members, and even to some of you.  O Lord, forgive!  Though whatever paltry mercy we’ve shown toward other people sometimes comes to an end and by his grace restarts again, his mercy has never and will never come to an end.  Indeed they are new every morning.  What a mercy-full God we serve.

There is so much more that could be said about these verses, and the book of Lamentations as a whole! Let us meditate on and rejoice in the rich love, mercy, and faithfulness of our God.