The Steadfast Love of the Lord - Ben Bailey
The Book of Lamentations has often been referred to as Israel’s funeral sermon or eulogy. In this Book, Jeremiah laments the ultimate destruction and death of Israel as they go into captivity for their sins. Yet, during this sad and depressing time, we find some incredibly beautiful verses about God’s love. In one passage, the Holy Spirit gave us these beautiful and encouraging words, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lam. 3:22-24). These words would not doubt serve as an encouragement to the faithful remnant of Israel who stayed true to their God. Notice what we learn about God from this passage.
You cannot plumb the depths of God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness. They have no end! Towards his faithful people, God will never stop loving them. Just like the sun that comes up every morning, the mighty mercy of God is available for His Children. This verse reminds us of the beautiful words of Paul in Romans 5:6-8. Paul said, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Since the depths of God’s mercy and love are limitless, it is our privilege to exclaim—God is my portion and my hope! To say the Lord is my portion is saying, I belong to Him! Since Christians do belong to God, he truly is our hope and comfort. The apostle John said, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him” (1 John 3:1). Just like the faithful of Israel needed encouragement during times of spiritual darkness, Christians need to be reminded that God’s blessing are limitless, and it is a privilege to belong to and serve Him!
--Ben Bailey