Lamentations 3:21-23
“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.”
Really great photos require the best light. Many times we have gotten up and left the house before daylight in order to catch the sun just coming up over the water, or the mountain, or maybe just breaking through the trees. There is something about the freshness of the light at the break of day. It is softer and truer than any other time. I wonder if Jeremiah penned these words during his morning prayers as the freshness of the day served to remind him of the newness of God’s faithfulness and compassion each morning.
In Lamentations, Jeremiah has been pouring out his heartbreak over the suffering of his nation, Israel. Phrases like “rods of wrath,” “broken my bone,” “weighed me down with chains,” “mangled me,” and “filled me with bitter herbs” all paint a sorrowful picture of Jeremiah’s longing for relief.
Then he remembers. “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.” When life becomes more than you can bear, remember. Remember those times when God reached down and rescued you from your enemies. Remember when God sent relief just at the perfect time. Remember that God promises that you are called to a purpose. Calling those times back to your mind will serve as a reminder to you of God’s love and protection.
Jeremiah says that God’s love toward us is a “great love.” My Bible dictionary has several synonyms for the way “great” is used in this verse. Among them are “abundant, much, many, abounding, numerous, enough, strong, and exceedingly.” It’s not simply talking about the greatness of God’s love for us but it also speaks to how numerous the occasions that He finds to pour out His love. Those times range from “enough” to “exceedingly.” God desires to show us His compassion and mercy in abundance during our time of need.
Many people may disappoint you. God’s compassion for you will “never fail.” As the light dances through the trees and the dew drips from the petals of the coneflowers, feel the freshness that He offers you today. A chance to make a new start. A chance to turn over a new leaf. A chance to be renewed by His love, compassion, and mercy. Remember your God who is the faithful and true light.
I really enjoyed this Renea!
What a fantastic photo and such a beautiful bird.