Lamentations 3:22-33 (NRSV)
Read Lamentations 3:22-33 on biblegateway.com
Verse 22The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; Verse 23they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Verse 24"The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." Verse 25The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. Verse 26It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Verse 27It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth, Verse 28to sit alone in silence when the Lord has imposed it, Verse 29to put one's mouth to the dust (there may yet be hope), Verse 30to give one's cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. Verse 31For the Lord will not reject forever. Verse 32Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; Verse 33for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.
Devotion
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, confesses the writer of Lamentations, casting unbridled hope into the face of despair and sorrow. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases."
Despite all indications to the contrary, we know this, too. We know that though the drought in California continues and tornados and floods ravage many areas; though ISIL rampages and extremists rant; though relationships at home seem broken and public safety unravels; we know the truth of this hope-filled confession. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, even as creation groans for redemption. God’s love never ceases. We can confess this too, clinging to the truth that we know ultimately prevails, even as human dignity and hope suffer before our eyes on the evening news. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases ... For he will have compassion." Do you dare cast hope in this direction? Do you dare to place your hope in this confession?
Prayer
Teach us, O God, to cling in faith to your love, especially when all seems lost. Remind us to call out again and again against violence and injustice that your love never ceases ... never. Then call us to join your loving compassion. Amen.