“He Will Show Compassion”

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them,

and my soul is downcast within me. 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. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.

Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust— there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.

For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

Lamentations 3:19-33

The prophet Jeremiah was an eyewitness to the invasion of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. The prophet had found hope in those distressing times. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because of God’s compassion. Those compassions come each day, and that is what we pray for, His faithfulness.

At various times, we may experience or witness disasters that feel like hostile forces entering our lives. But these times of trouble do not last forever. And, like Jeremiah, our most sustaining hope is to reflect upon the faithfulness and provision of our heavenly Father. The Lord’s compassions are new, every morning, and His faithfulness is great!

The best reason for hope is God’s faithfulness.

Our Daily Bread – November 11, 2013