“But this I call to mind…” – Lamentations 3:21-26           

Scripture reading: Lamentations 3:1-27

Yesterday, we reflected with Solomon as he pondered the meaning of life, even to the point of believing there was nothing new under the sun. But we must not lose sight of the fact that for the one made a new creature in Christ, every new day is a day of new mercies. In a chorus of a very familiar hymn, believers sing “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.”

The hymn writer took his cue from Jeremiah. Jeremiah was given the task to announce God’s judgments against a disobedient Old Testament Church. He lamented the fact that his people had exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols (Jeremiah 2:11). The book of Lamentations is filled with his tears. He is filled with grief at Zion’s devastation and degradation.

But in the middle of the third chapter, he pauses and calls to mind the memory of God’s devotion to His people.  And that brings hope out of hopelessness. He remains confident in God’s promises and compassions. That must be our focus day by day. Are you looking to the LORD for His daily new mercies? Will you remember that for each new day this year?

Suggestions for prayer

Do you have a hymn book nearby with “Great is Thy Faithfulness” in it?  If so, sing that hymn!

Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment.