His Compassions Fail Not

Date: January 14, 2023

Bible Scripture Verse - Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Through the Lord's mercies (great love) we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

Listen for God’s Voice

I thank you for your unwavering mercies and compassions that never run dry. I trust in your faithfulness that never fades. I pray that you renew my spirit with your love every morning, as I face the day ahead. Help me to trust in your goodness and to always remember your constant presence in my life. Amen.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

The book of Lamentations is a collection of five poems that were written by the prophet Jeremiah, after the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The book is written as a lament, which is a song or poetry that expresses grief and sorry, for the destruction of the city and the suffering of the people. Jeremiah is known as the "weeping prophet" because of his deep sorrow and mourning for the destruction of his people and his city.  

The key people in the story are the prophet Jeremiah and the Jewish people who were taken into exile and suffered greatly during the fall of Jerusalem. The verse is meant to provide comfort and hope to these people in the midst of their pain and suffering, by reminding them of God's constant presence and faithfulness.

Study and Savor – Key Words

"mercies" - refers to God's kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards humanity.

"compassions" - refers to God's deep feeling of sympathy and empathy towards the suffering of humanity, often translated as "lovingkindness".

"fail not" - means that God's mercies and compassions do not run out or come to an end.

"new" - implies that God's mercies and compassions are always fresh and available, not stale or exhausted.

"morning" - refers to the new day, a new beginning, a new opportunity for God's mercies to be experienced.

"faithfulness" - refers to the steadfastness, reliability, and trustworthiness of God's character and actions.

Summarize and Share

This verse tells us that God's love and kindness never run out. Even in difficult times, He is always there to help us. Each day is a new chance for His help and hope. When we are sad, like when we lose someone we love, the grief and sorrow at times can feel overwhelming. But we can trust that God's love will comfort us and help us heal. We can think about this verse, pray to Him, talk to Him, and find strength to keep going. 

If you are in the middle of grief right now, which I know many of you are, meditate on this verse, read it often, maybe even write it down on a paper and post it somewhere so that you can see it daily instead of just on your journal for today. Pray on it, and ask God to help you understand His mercy and compassion in a personal way.  Remember, all good things come from God. We need to let go of our own efforts and trust in Him. 

Bible Cross Reference

Isaiah 55:3 - "Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you—the sure mercies of David."

Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

James 5:11 - "Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful."

Psalm 136:1-26 - This passage is a song of thanksgiving that lists many of God's acts of mercy and compassion throughout history, with the refrain "for his mercy endures forever."