His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning. – Lamentations 3:22-23
The prophet Jeremiah, who authored the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations, was called by God to deliver a message of destruction to Israel. He relayed God’s direction to the people that the only way they would survive was to surrender to the enemy and go into captivity. This was not a popular message!
Few of his hearers believed what Jeremiah had to say was from God. He was called crazy, punished in stocks, and one time lowered into a muddy cistern. Jeremiah struggled with depression and wished he had never been born (Jeremiah 20:14-18). However, throughout his writings, the prophet always came back to God and how loving, righteous, and merciful He is. As he stated in today’s verse, the mercies of the Lord are new every morning. They are like the manna that the Israelites gathered each day to sustain them through the desert wanderings.
David was also a man who had his share of troubles and was open and honest about them in his writings. And like Jeremiah, he would turn to God’s faithfulness and strength. God was not only an anchor during the storm for these men, but is the stability and refuge for everyone. The apostle Paul went through a literal storm and shipwreck. In the midst of the tumult, an angel assured him that he and the rest aboard would survive, and Paul would live to share the gospel in Rome (Acts 27).
Today in the United States, what used to seem to be a stable society appears to be tossed about in a stormy sea. Look to the Lord. He is the anchor. He is faithful and true, loving and forgiving, and His mercies never run out. Embrace His grace each day. Pray for His strength and wisdom for yourself, your loved ones, your circle of influence, and the nation’s governing officials.
Today’s Verse: Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 4:4-13
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
