“A New Year”
Lamentations 3:22 – 24 ” It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion’s fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.”
I can think of no better verse to start the New Year with than this one. As we reflect back on last year’s events, there were rewarding times and some real challenging times, even possibly some regrets. It is hard to do it right all the time, so regret is an emotion we can all relate to. At times “man” can’t forgive, but the scripture teaches that the LORD’s mercies are new every morning. God’s compassion’s fail not, in him there is forgiveness, even when others can’t. Therefore we can have hope as we look towards the future, for regret from past mistakes can be crippling. God’s forgiveness and compassion brings us emotional strength and a hope for future restitution with those we might have offended.
This is the hope that this verse gives me, but in context this verse deals with the nation Israel and Jeremiah the prophet. The nation has fallen into gross idolatry and he is calling them to repent of their idol worship, for judgement is coming. Unlike other prophets that were sent prior to warn Israel, Jeremiah actually lived through this period of judgement and hence the name of the book, “Lamentations” speaks to the heartache that Jeremiah had. Jeremiah was nick named the ” crying prophet.” The people would not repent of their sins, therefore invasion/ judgement was eminent. The Babylonian army came in 3 waves, and with each invasion more of Israel was decimated. By the third invasion all that was left and not taken into captivity, were the poorest of people. They were left to till the land and via a Babylonian appointed governor, were to pay yearly tribute to Nebuchadnezzar. God revealed all this to Jeremiah prior, and it deeply troubled him causing him many days and nights of tears. As he went to The Lord with this burden, the LORD revealed to him that even in judgement God’s hand was present, and merciful.
Therefore he pens ” It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed..” That even in judgement God exercises control, limiting the Babylonian army, ” because his compassion’s fail not.” Judgement was firm, for the nation hung unto their idols and would not turn back to the Lord. However for those who repented of their idol worship and returned back to the Lord, they discovered the “greatness of God’s faithfulness.” There is always hope when God is put first. Like the dawning of a new day, there is always the promise of a brighter future. God is not bound to our limitations, and only God can change the human heart when we make “God our portion….” and we ” hope in him” as Jeremiah learned. From a burdened heart that only saw the present, to a trusting heart that saw God working through this to free the nation from its bondage to idol worship.
Interesting enough when the nation of Israel returned from Babylon, which the exact time was prophesied and fulfilled, they never again returned to the worship of idols.
Application: As we start the New Year, where do we stand with our relationship with The Lord? The last two devotionals have been particularly challenging as the Christmas message is inescapably a message of hope and love. The only way to respond to them is to ignore them, or to begin to accept the love and compassion of God for your life. Do you need a fresh start, a “clean slate” or a hope that is not limited just to this life? ” His compassion’s fail not, they are new every morning, great is His faithfulness.”
Father God,
This also is a hard study, for it makes me recall the past and the regrets I have been able to bury. Yet I realize now that, that approach is not healthy for me, or for those I love. Grant me the faith to reach towards You and the resolve to move forward through the emotions that would otherwise keep me captive. Thank you and Amen.
Have a Blessed New Year,
Dios lo Bendiga – Arthur