MEDITATIONS
FROM LAMENTATIONS
June 6 , 2007
Reading: Lamentations 3:19-24
"Because His compassions fail not”
Lamentations
If ever there was a passage of scripture hidden from the eyes of the casual reader, it is here in the book of Lamentations. The title of the book is not inviting as it appears to be one of sadness and remorse. However, while the prophet Jeremiah is in spiritual and physical agony because of the sins of God’s people and the judgment of God he, along with the rest of the population, is suffering, there is hope. All appeared lost and the judgment of God final.
In the midst of his lamentations the Spirit of God turns his thoughts to His God.
“This
I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are
not consumed, because His compassions fail not” Lamentations 3: 21-22.
God’s compassions fail not. There is no end to His compassion. Herein lies a truth that applies to all that God is. No matter how much of His compassion He gives, it is not reduced by any measure. His love can never be exhausted neither can His grace be drained. He is no less Love because He loves you; He is no less Compassion because He showers you with it, because there is an unlimited supply of all of who He is. The measure of all of His attributes is never diminished by any amount because that is who and what He is. If the exercise of His mercy lessened His capacity in any way, then He would eventually run out of it and He would no longer be God.
This is why Jeremiah could say with the utmost assurance and confidence,
“They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” Lamentations 3:23.
When he was reminded of these
truths the prophet was drawn from hopelessness to hope. Compare chapter
“’The
LORD is my portion’, says my soul, ‘therefore I have hope in Him’” Lamentations
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail
not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to
guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for
tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy
faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923
Dear Lord and Savior, when my soul is
troubled and downcast, turn my thoughts to You and
remind me of Your faithfulness.
Cause me to remember the multitude of Your mercies toward me. Bring me into Your
courts with praise. Turn my eyes from that which troubles me to You. O Sovereign, faithful God, remain my Portion, for then
my hope will be strong and my trust in You will never
fail. “For the LORD will not cast off forever. Though He causes grief, yet He
will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies.”