The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Boy, have I made mistakes. No one ever gave me a handbook for marriage. It would be worth its weight in gold. I’ve often thought about writing one, but I don’t even know where to begin. Most every fight has been, in some way or another, my doings. It may be something I said or even more likely, something I failed to do. And you’d figure that would finally get it after 30 years of marriage, but it continues to be a mystery how I get myself into things that cause me stress and struggle.
But the one steady thing throughout it all has been my wife. She has been steadfastly by my side despite my issues, problems, mood swings, selfishness, and unique ability to say the wrong things at the worst times. I don’t know how she lives with me. It’s definitely not my looks.
The Lord’s Love is Constant
If there is one thing we can count on, it is God’s constant love in our lives. The world is going to fail us, and relationships will derail us, but the Lord’s constant and loyal love towards us NEVER ceases. Did you read that part? It never ceases. Regardless of our mess-ups, the Lord places no conditions on His love for us. He is not going to give up on us. And that love never ends. You may have experienced hatred from a spouse or a friend over something you either did or didn’t do, but the Lord is not like that. You can count on His love to support, guide, and care for you. It’s who He is.
The Lord’s Mercy is Constant
The definition of mercy is withholding discipline or punishment to someone who deserves it. Imagine that. We deserve some kind of discipline for what we do, and the Lord says, “No, I’m extending never-ending mercy to him/her.” Does this mean that we will never experience discipline? No. But it does mean that the Lord’s love drives His desire to extend mercy forever to us.
So when you mess up, and I mean “crash and burn” mess up, realize that the Lord is providing constant and never-ending mercy towards you. We know the Lord provides discipline towards those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). But even in that discipline, He doesn’t give us the punishment we deserve. It never ends. That should encourage you!
The Lord’s Faithfulness is Great
His faithfulness is GREAT! As Jeremiah contemplates his current condition, which is not good, the Lord reminds him of His great faithfulness. Think about it. The Lord loves us, He is merciful towards us, and His faithfulness is great! Why would anyone not want to be in a close relationship with the Lord, who has those traits towards those who love Him?
I don’t know your current situation, but I have to believe some of you reading this need encouragement today. There is no better encouragement than these verses. Imagine being Jeremiah looking over the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. Total destruction. And yet, he writes about the Lord’s love, mercy, and faithfulness. Why?
Because Jeremiah saw the hope that the Lord gives when all seems lost. When your city falls apart, there is hope. Don’t fall into the trap of despair today. Your life may be tough, but you’re not in the fight alone. The Lord is right there with you doing what He does best by providing love, mercy, and faithfulness.
Will you rest in the Lord’s constant care for you today?