Our scripture this morning is Lamentations 3:21-24.
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
This passage speaks to us of God’s everlasting love and faithfulness. The prophet Jeremiah wrote to the people of Israel with hope even as Babylon was poised to overrun their country and carry them into captivity. God was just in allowing this punishment for their sin, but offers them His forgiveness when they turn to Him in repentance.
In Jeremiah 29:11 we read “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” God wants only the best for us, but our selfish disobedience puts us in opposition to His will for us. If we try to do it on our own, we fail.
The example of Israel in Egypt and the exile to Babylon teach us that He is the God of justice. However, He proves Himself the God of love by sending Jesus that we might all be saved! When we admit our wrongdoing and ask His forgiveness, God is always ready to welcome us back.
Gracious God, we know how often we fail You and each other. Forgive us, strengthen us in faith, and send us to share Your love with all the world. Amen.
