Lamentations 3:22-24
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!”
Sitting down in front of my computer screen, I was still reeling after receiving devastating news earlier in the day. My eyes burned from the tears shed; my heartfelt weighed down from the disappointment; my mind was a mass of confusion, lacking understanding. Why Lord? Where are you, Lord? Help me get through this, Lord.
Tapping on the keys, my emails popped up. Scanning quickly I noticed this one from a dear, older women who, along with me, led Bible studies in our neighborhood: “Oh, my dear friend, I just know there is something wrong! I can’t get you off my mind. The Lord said, ‘Pray!’ and that’s what I have been doing. Please tell me how I can help you!“ The tears, so close to the surface, spilled out again as I typed a response, revealing my broken heart and how she could pray.
Reaching out to me the way she did could only have been directed by God Himself. He knew what I needed and demonstrated His faithful love and compassion towards me by sending that dear friend to minister to me when I needed it the most—to be Jesus “with skin on.”
Thomas Chisholm, who wrote the beautiful hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” penned these words: “Just think, with each new day, God gives us the chance to prove His faithfulness. And throughout history, He’s never once been proven wrong, for His mercies are new every morning, no matter what.” Indeed, great is His faithfulness!
Father, it doesn’t take dire circumstances from which to be rescued to see Your miraculous provision or to know Your faithfulness and compassion. We praise You that You demonstrate how faithful You are every single day through Your Word, answered prayer and the kindness of others. May we always be sensitive to Your voice to respond when You call us to be Jesus “with skin on,” demonstrating Your faithfulness to others. Thank you, Lord God and we pray in Your name, Amen.
Great Is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father!
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.Refrain:
Great Is Thy faithfulness,
Great Is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me!Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
~ painting “Watermelon Summer,” by Mary Ann Vessey
