What does Lamentations 3:22-24 teach us about God's character?

Lamentations 3:22-24 is a profound passage that reveals significant aspects of God's character, especially in the context of suffering and despair. The book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, is a collection of poetic laments for the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. These laments are filled with sorrow, grief, and a deep sense of loss. However, nestled within this book of mourning is a passage that radiates hope and assurance about God's enduring nature. The verses read:

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'" (Lamentations 3:22-24, ESV)

The context of these verses is crucial. Jeremiah, or the presumed author, is in the midst of a lament over the severe judgment that has befallen Jerusalem. The city lies in ruins, the temple is destroyed, and the people are either killed or taken into exile. It is a scene of utter devastation and hopelessness. Yet, in the middle of this dark and desolate situation, the prophet declares these words of hope, focusing on the unchanging character of God.

The Steadfast Love of the Lord

The phrase "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases" speaks volumes about God's character. The Hebrew word for "steadfast love" is "chesed," which carries a rich connotation of covenantal love, loyalty, and unfailing kindness. God's love is not fickle or dependent on human actions; it is a steadfast commitment to His people. This kind of love is deeply rooted in God's covenant with Israel, a promise that He will be their God and they will be His people (Genesis 17:7). Despite Israel's repeated failures and sins, God's love remains constant. This teaches us that God's love is not based on our worthiness but on His unchanging nature.

His Mercies Never Come to an End

The next phrase, "his mercies never come to an end," further elaborates on God's character. The Hebrew word for "mercies" is "rachamim," which is derived from "rechem," meaning "womb." This imagery suggests a motherly compassion and tenderness. God's mercies are inexhaustible and are renewed every day. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how dire our circumstances, God's compassion is always available to us. It is a daily, ongoing provision that we can rely on, much like the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-5).

They Are New Every Morning

The statement "they are new every morning" emphasizes the continual renewal of God's mercies. Each day is a fresh start, a new opportunity to experience God's grace. This is particularly comforting in times of failure or despair. It means that no matter how much we have failed or how deep our sorrow, God's mercies are available to us afresh each day. This daily renewal is a testament to God's eternal nature and His commitment to restore and renew His people.

Great Is Your Faithfulness

The declaration "great is your faithfulness" shifts the focus to God's reliability. The Hebrew word for "faithfulness" is "emunah," which means firmness, steadiness, and fidelity. God's faithfulness is great because it is unwavering and dependable. In a world where everything seems to be falling apart, God's faithfulness stands as a rock-solid foundation. This faithfulness is not just a passive attribute but an active engagement with His people, ensuring that His promises are fulfilled. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in the New Testament when he writes, "If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13, ESV).

The Lord Is My Portion

The phrase "'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul" is a declaration of trust and dependence on God. In ancient Israel, the concept of "portion" often referred to one's share of land or inheritance. By saying that the Lord is his portion, the prophet is expressing that God Himself is his inheritance, his source of sustenance and satisfaction. This is a profound statement of faith, especially in a time when material possessions and earthly securities have been stripped away. It echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 73:26: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (ESV).

Therefore I Will Hope in Him

The concluding phrase, "therefore I will hope in him," is a natural response to the understanding of God's steadfast love, mercies, and faithfulness. Hope, in the biblical sense, is not a wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the character of God. This hope is not rooted in changing circumstances but in the unchanging nature of God. It is a hope that sustains and strengthens, even in the darkest of times.

Practical Implications

Understanding these aspects of God's character has profound practical implications for our lives. In times of suffering and despair, we can find solace in the knowledge that God's love for us is steadfast and unchanging. His mercies are always available, providing us with daily renewal and strength. His faithfulness assures us that He will never abandon us, even when everything else fails. By making God our portion, we shift our focus from temporary, earthly securities to the eternal, unchanging source of true satisfaction and hope.

A Call to Faith

Lamentations 3:22-24 is not just a theological statement but a call to faith. It invites us to trust in God's character, even when our circumstances are bleak. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate suffering and to anchor our hope in the eternal nature of God. This passage teaches us that true hope and peace come from a deep, abiding relationship with God, who is our steadfast love, our endless mercy, and our great faithfulness.

In conclusion, Lamentations 3:22-24 offers a powerful revelation of God's character. It assures us of His steadfast love, inexhaustible mercies, and unwavering faithfulness. It calls us to make God our portion and to place our hope in Him, especially in times of suffering and despair. This passage stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that no matter how dark our circumstances, God's love and mercy are new every morning, providing us with the strength and hope we need to endure.