Lamentations 3:22-24 – The Faithfulness of God
The Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Dias originally named the southern tip of Africa the “Cape of Storms.” He did so because the waters there have been the cause of many shipwrecks. Once the waters were learned to be navigated the Cape of Storms was renamed “The Cape of Good Hope,” for the optimism engendered by opening up the trade route. In Lamentations we have, at least for a brief interval, rounded the Cape of Storms and come to the Cape of Good Hope.
As the Prophet expresses his confident hope in the midst of grief he elevates us above sorrow and pain to plant us firmly upon the character of God. He speaks of the “steadfast love of the LORD.” That word “steadfast love” is central to the Old Testament. It is difficult to find an English equivalent that adequately expresses the breadth of this small word. Very simply, it is a way of saying God is gracious and God is love-he has a covenantal gracious-love.
In these verses there are three particular details about this gracious-love. First, it “never ceases” nor does it ever “come to an end.” Dreary and sorrowful as Jeremiah’s situation was it did not indicate a temporary cessation of the gracious-love of God. Second, it is “new every morning.” Not only does it continue forever, but it is never diminished, reduced, or weakened – you might say it never ages. There is a daily renewal of his gracious-love. Third, it is an expression of his faithfulness, “Great is your faithfulness.” The faithfulness of God means he will do what he has promised, and this never ending, ever renewing gracious-love to his people is a promise to which he will remain true.
That is where our hope directs itself in times of great sorrow, depression, and grief. As it is expressed elsewhere: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you” (Jeremiah 31:3).
Questions
- What is God’s “steadfast love”?
- Give the three characteristics of his steadfast love.
Prayer Points
- Thank the Lord for his gracious-love.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.