Great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:23

Do you realize what it means to be faithful? You might think of one spouse being devoted to the other, or a friend staying by someone’s side when they are going through trouble, but is there more? The prophet Jeremiah had warned Israel of the coming judgment of God if they continued in their unfaithful conduct and did not repent. Time after time, he pleaded with the people to acknowledge their sinfulness and return to the Lord (Jeremiah 3:12-13)… but they would not.

The consequence of their ongoing rejection of the Lord’s message through the prophet was not a light judgment. God’s chosen people experienced destruction and plunder at the hands of foreigners. One commentator said that “every sign [precious and sacred thing] that had once provided assurance and confidence in God was gone.” The people felt almost inexpressible grief. However, in the midst of this grief came confession of sin, and then significantly, an expression of hope. Israel could draw on the promises of God… a God who is faithful – steadfast, merciful, gracious, a certainty in times of change, firm as a rock that is never shaken.

God’s promises to Abraham of becoming a great nation, to Moses of a Promised Land, and to David of One who would come in his line to reign forever had or would all come true. As one pastor reminded his congregation, sometimes you look for explanations when you should be looking at the promises. Let this passage in Lamentations remind you that the Lord’s love never ceases and His mercies never end. He is faithful and He is your portion forever. Be faithful in your walk with Him. And pray for this nation… for repentance and a renewed faithfulness to the Lord.