God is Faithful

God is Faithful

Lamentations 3:21-23
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Hope, compassion, and faithfulness are three of the most comforting words I can think of. On account of the Lord's mercies, we have these things. How thankful I am for that!
This verses have spoken volumes to my heart. So often, I open to them and reflect on all that the Lord has done in my life and how undeserving I am.
One of the things that they say is missing in this X generation, is hope. It's a generation growing up without the hope of a bright future. Yet when I turn to God's word, I see that no matter the dimness of the situation, we still have a hope because of Him.
Compassion, do you ever feel that you just wish someone would have compassion on you or what you're going through? I have. Isn't it comforting to know that the Lord looks on us with compassion! He could be a mean, old, hard judge expecting us to "measure up" to the standards in His word, and yet He isn't like that. Instead He looks at us through a heart of compassion, remembering we are but dust. He even goes as far as causing us to have the desire to do what pleases Him. What a loving Father we serve!
Faithful...ah, what a word!! When I think of the faithfulness of God, my heart is overwhelmed. I grew up in an environment that was filled with "conditional love."
I'll love you if....Needless to say, I grew up with a great desire to be accepted and a strong need of approval.
(this certainly has taken a long time to work through...and at times still affects me) Many times I come to the Lord based on my performances or what I feel my expected performance should be, and yet the Lord has proven to me time and time again that He is faithful even if I haven't been. Oh, there's no "big" sins to cover, but all those "little" ones in my heart...all those attitudes that take precedent over the Lord. I am sure you know what I mean, we've all been there , haven't we? Yet He is faithful.
This past year, I watched a close friend of mine lose her husband to an illness. It was an experience that shaped many things in my heart. One of which was, despite the pain, the sadness,and the loss she always would say,"God has been faithful!" I have watched in amazement at her strength in the Lord. And indeed I have seen God being faithful to her in the midst of her deepest pain. As strange as it is to say, this has been refreshing to me.
It has been more than just philosophy or words, it has been a "truth" lived out for me. (thanks Pam!)
As I live my life I want to know that because of the Lord's mercies I have a hope. He is a compassionate Father, and that He is faithful.
Prayer: Father, let this be the goal of our day,to know Who you are. To live out these "truths." That our relationship with you will be so fresh and alive that others will see the "realness" of you. Amen.