October 30

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 119:65-72 | Lamentations 2:20 – 3:66 | Hebrews 1:1-14 | Proverbs 26:18-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Lamentations 2:20-3:66

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning great is your faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV).

Lamentations as a book is always hard for me to get into. But I have come to appreciate the importance of the lament in prayer. It is one of the most healthy ways for us to deal with difficult circumstances.

In the lament, we openly and honestly pour out our heart to God. We tell him what we are going through and how we feel about it. We get it all “out on the table”.  

If we were to leave it there, and not go further, it would have limited effect.  The important next step is to remember God’s faithfulness and mercies to me in the past and by that to readjust my focus on the greatness of who He is. My eyes, which have been focused on myself and my problems are then turned toward the Lord.

As my focus changes, the problems grow smaller and my faith grows larger. My depression and self-pity fades as my worship and adoration increases.

We see that change of focus in this verse that is central to Jeremiah’s laments. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to and end; they are new every morning great is your faithfulness.” His eyes refocus on God’s goodness and faithfulness and his heart turns toward adoration and worship. Hope begins to be restored.

Often life doesn’t make sense. It can be hard. In those times we can always come to God with our laments. But don’t get stuck in the pit of self-pity and despair: look up with eyes of faith to the one whose love never ceases, whose mercies are new every morning, and sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness!”

Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us opportunity to honestly pour out our hearts to you—to lament. We often face troubles and trials that we just don’t understand. Help me to look to your goodness. Help me to remember your faithfulness. I need your new mercies for this day. Help me to move from lament to praise. Enable me to sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Amen.