Articles
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Lamentation3
The destruction of Judah and Jerusalem had destroyed the very spirit of the writer. For 20 verses he describes his depression and sad condition. Then the whole chapter changes: "BUT this I call to mind, and therefore I have HOPE" (3:21). What is 'this' that he calls to mind? "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (3:22-23).
Even after such terrible chastisement and punishment for sin as the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, there is hope with God. It is just plain difficult for men to understand the depths of God's love for us. This is the 'so loved' of John 3:16. "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him" (1 John 4:9). "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Thus John wrote: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him" (1 John 3:1).
God in His holiness and righteousness will stand in judgment against all sin and transgression. Yet in such judgment He yet desires to show mercy and love. The writer declares: "For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men." Three times Ezekiel wrote that God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:23, 32; 33:11). Peter stated that "the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
With God therefore we see steadfast love and unending mercy (22-23). The writer therefore exhorts: "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven… (Lamentations 3:40-41). God's perpetual condition for forgiveness is repentance. As bad as things are, if we would just repent we can find forgiveness through Jesus. Such was commanded of those who would become God's people (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; etc.). Such is the command to God's people who sin as did Simon in Acts 8:22.
The underlying concept to build upon is God's faithfulness. God is forever faithful to His character, purpose, and promise. He is faithful to bring judgment upon those who sin and likewise He will be merciful to those who return through Jesus. You can trust the LORD for Great Is His Faithfulness.
This chapter was the basis for the great hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness". It needs to be sung when one is despondent and feeling isolated from God.
8/30/13 Hugh DeLong
