Faithfulness

Lam. 3:22

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 

In chapter 3 we read about a man who was enduring extremely hard times. He was greatly afflicted in body and soul, alone, in darkness, and without peace. But still he knew a very important truth. He knew that God was faithful and that His love and mercies were new every morning. What an example! When times were hard, he remembered what was true about God without any doubt. He claimed the promises of God as his own. The Lord was his portion, therefore he would hope in God. He knew that the Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. He knew that it was good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. But knowing all these things did not eradicate the pain, but it did give him hope. With hope, much can be endured. 

He also understood a very important truth. Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come? God was the author of all that was happening in His life. Though God had cast him off now, he would not cast off forever. Though He cause grief, He will have compassion according to the abundance of His steadfast love. What was the proper response to what was happening in his life? Should he blame God for this treatment and become bitter? No, he wanted to test and examine his ways, and return to the Lord! He wanted to lift up his heart and hands to the God of the heavens. From the pit  he called on the name of God. He knew that God would hear and listen. And God did come near when he called and had taken up his cause. God had redeemed his life.

So when the bad times comes [and they will because that is life.], I need to remember what is true about God. I need to cling to His promises and cry out to Him. Secondly, I need to examine my life looking closely to see what God is seeing. Being bitter, depressed, and full of self-pity accomplishes nothing. I need to remember that He is faithful and His love and mercies are new every morning.

Father,

You are the author of life. All things are Your servants. In all affliction, You are the constant. You are the same everyday as are Your mercies and Your steadfast love. Open my eyes to see what you would have me see. 

In Jesus name,

Amen