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Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:21-26

Lamentations 3 begins with the author saying “I am the man who has seen affliction.”  This book is filled with ‘laments’ after God sent His chosen people into exile in Babylonia because of their sin.  They had forgotten Him.  They worshipped and served other gods, which weren’t gods at all.

So this lamenter is feeling this affliction… this separation from God… and he lists what it feels like to him.

·       He has driven me away

·       He has besieged me

·       He has made me dwell in darkness

·       He has walled me in

·       He has weighed me down

·       He has barred my way

·       He has made my paths crooked

·       He dragged me from the paths and has mangled me

·       He drew His bow and made me the target

·       He pierced my heart

·       He has filled me with bitter herbs

·       He has broken my teeth with gravel

·       He has trampled me in the dust

Verse 21: “Yet this I call to mind…”

Even in the midst of exile, God’s compassions never fail.  They are new every morning! God’s love is great, even in the middle of serious discipline.  The Lord loves those He disciplines (Hebrews 12:5-11).  There is never a time when we are beyond the love and grace of God, but we must repent.  We must turn and seek Him. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Any idol that we have will draw us away from this relationship with the Lord.  That’s what idols do!  They make promises for joyful living, require sacrifice from us to pursue them and take our affections away from the One who made us.

Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your love and compassion for me.  I forsake every idol that would rival for Your place in my life and I worship You only.  “Great is Your faithfulness!”