This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.—Lamentations 3:21-23
Jeremiah’s unrelenting sorrow over Judah’s judgment (read the beginning of Lamentations 3) led him to think on the character of God. One thought (this I recall to mind) seemed to push him back from despair and enabled his hope to return. As I read Jeremiah’s words in verses 21-23, Ephesians 2:4 came to mind.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
It was when Jeremiah remembered who God was…when He focused on His character…that his attitude and outlook changed noticeably for the better.
The word for “mercies” in verse 22 above is “khesed”, which has the idea of loyal love. John MacArthur in his commentary says that this Hebrew word for mercies, refers to God’s gracious love. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses love, grace, mercy, goodness, forgiveness, truth, compassion, and faithfulness.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. This is the same love that is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given to us when we believe.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.—2 Corinthians 4:7-12
Beloved…God’s steadfast, loyal love to us, His children, never ceases. It is not dependent on who we are or how we behave. It is who God is. He embodies this love. Ironically, Judah’s judgment itself was evidence that God had not abandoned those that were His. In judgment God always remembers mercy and preserves a faithful remnant. Israel in Scripture is often referred to as God’s son. Hebrews 12 says this.
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
"My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives."
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.—Hebrews 12:5-11
Moving on to the word “compassions” in verse 22. Strong’s likens it to the cherishing of a baby in the womb. That is the gentle, tender, loyal, protective love God has for me and for you…for those who belong to Him.
God’s supply of loyal love is not limited. We cannot push Him too far. There is no sin in your life that cannot be forgiven. His compassion is greater than any sin. Where sin abounds, Scripture tells us, His grace abounds much more. He has promised forgiveness to those who believe.
So even though we, as believers, deserve death as sinners, He is faithful and merciful to us.
His compassions fail not, they are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
This is not a license to sin, but is an open invitation to always come to Him for forgiveness relying on His mercy through Jesus Christ.
Beloved…Take note…This is the truth that caused Jeremiah to cease complaining and call out in praise. The limitless love and grace of God overwhelmed Jeremiah and because of this He was able to trust and wait for God to act in his heart and in his circumstances. (See the remainder of Lamentations 3). God would bring about restoration and blessing. His steadfast love would never come to an end. He, who is faithful, had promised. The same is true for us as believers today. God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Father…There is one ray of hope amidst all of the sin and suffering around me. Your compassions fail not. I confess that I don’t always do as Jeremiah does here in Lamentations, Chapter 3. May Your Spirit remind me of Your steadfast lovingkindness when my own hope dims and my faith falters.
Teach me Your way, O LORD;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.—Psalm 86:11
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.—Psalm 112:7b
Give me a steadfast, united heart that trust You in all things. Help me to put aside my pride and depend utterly on You, my good and gracious God. When trouble comes focus my heart on things above. May I, like Jeremiah, keep my eyes on You and not on my circumstances. Judah couldn’t push God so far that He would abandon her and neither can I.
Thus says the LORD:
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight," says the LORD.—Jeremiah 9:23-24
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.—Psalm 63:3
