Sunsets that come with an array of colour are always something to enjoy.  Last night, as I drove home from a wonderful meeting, I witnessed clouds in various formations mingled with gentle inviting colour. I paused to consider that never has there been an identical cloud formation. Every sunset sky is a new sight.

New sunset skies every evening made me think about new mercies every morning.  Mercies are acts of kindness, compassion or favour. There are many days we might rest our heads on our pillows at night with words that express what the writer of the words ‘his mercies are new every morning” experienced and spoke (Lamentations 3:22). His story recites a season of great difficulty, affliction, and hardship. 

“I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
    the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
    the feeling of hitting the bottom” (Lamentations 3:19-20).

Perhaps you have heard the saying “To come to the end of yourself is to get to the beginning of God” (Spurgeon). This is the story of what has happened to God’s people in Lamentations. There was too much of self among God’s people, and in essence, on account of this, the writer says, “God defeated all my methods and counsels for security” (Wesley). What a great line. Many things in life, including these days of Covid19 remind us that many of our methods of security have been defeated. The truth being taught is summarized in what another great theologian said, “We cannot stand content in adversity unless we stand with God alone and his favour” (Calvin).

After painting a coloured picture of his affliction the writer of Lamentations begins to recall God’s beautiful and unrelenting favour.  He remembers how God has sustained him in his affliction, even extending love that was undeserving.  He writes,

“The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases;
his compassions never end.

 They are fresh every morning;
your faithfulness is abundant!
“My portion is the Lord,” I have said to myself,
so I will put my hope in him.

(Lamentations 3:21-24)

I know for myself I seem to have to relearn often that God alone, through Christ, is my security.  When I shift my heart and thoughts from this truth, I find God once again defeating my methods.  For this I am thankful.  Daily his love and mercy are ever new, and are extended to each one of us. His kindness and compassion greet us each morning.

This song speaks of God’s faithfulness. We know his faithfulness is expressed to us in his mercies that are new every morning.  Newer to the songbook, this one has become a favourite.  Be sure to look it up if unfamiliar!  This song uses the word ‘I’ but I think that we can be mindful of the many voices that would sing it together as a ‘we’. God’s faithful mercies have been extended to his people and his church for generation upon generation.

378 What a Faithful God

Lord, I come before Your throne of grace
I find rest in Your presence,
And fullness of Joy
In worship and wonder
I behold Your face
Singing what a faithful God have I

What a faithful God have I
What a faithful God
What a faithful God have I
Faithful in every way

Lord of mercy, You have heard my cry
Through the storm You're the beacon
My song in the night
In the shelter of Your wings
Hear my hearts reply
Singing what a faithful God have I

What a faithful God have I
What a faithful God
What a faithful God have I
Faithful in every way

Lord all sovereign
Granting peace from heaven
Let me comfort those who suffer
With the comfort You have given
I will tell of Your great love
For as long as I live
Singing what a faithful God have I

Merciful God, faithful in every way, if today we find our security in anything or any measure besides you, loosen our grasp. Remind us that we will only stand content in adversity when we stand with you. Because we are recipients of your new mercies daily, teach us to extend mercy daily to others. By your Spirit show us how to offer your kindness and compassion even when we feel it is undeserving. AMEN

With care and in prayer,