“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
–Lamentations 3:22-23

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Annotation: Lamentations speaks of God’s unwavering love and compassion, which renews each day, offering hope in times of anxiety.
 

Note: God’s faithfulness is a constant reminder that we are not alone in our anxiety.
 

This passage from the book of Lamentations expresses hope and confidence in God's unfailing love and faithfulness even in the midst of great sorrow and suffering. It is a declaration of trust in God's character despite the desolation experienced by the people of Israel. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
 

Breaking Down the Passage:
 

1. "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed..."

• "The Lord’s great love" refers to God’s unfailing, steadfast, covenantal love (Hebrew: chesed), which is a deep, loyal love that is unwavering, regardless of circumstances.
   

• The phrase "we are not consumed" acknowledges that, though the people of Israel are facing tremendous suffering—likely the aftermath of Jerusalem’s destruction and exile—they have not been utterly destroyed. The reason for their survival is God's great love. His love preserves them, even when it seems like all is lost. The people are not consumed by their trials because of God's sustaining love.
   

2. "For his compassions never fail."

• Compassions (or mercies) refer to God’s deep, tender care and mercy toward His people, especially in their suffering.
   

• The phrase "never fail" emphasizes that God's mercy is not fickle or inconsistent—it is constant and dependable. No matter how dire the circumstances, God's compassion remains unchanging. His care for His people is enduring and always available, even in times of hardship.
   

3. "They are new every morning..."

• This part of the verse expresses the renewal of God’s mercies on a daily basis. Each new day brings fresh mercy, and the people of God can rely on the fact that God’s compassion and love are renewed daily.
   

• This provides a profound sense of hope: even when facing ongoing difficulties or suffering, every new day is an opportunity to experience God’s grace again. His love is never exhausted and is always available for the needs of that day.
   

4. "Great is your faithfulness."

• The final phrase celebrates the greatness of God’s faithfulness. God’s faithfulness refers to His loyalty, dependability, and commitment to His promises. Even when His people are unfaithful, God remains faithful to His covenant and His word.
   

• The phrase "great is your faithfulness" acknowledges that God’s faithfulness is not just present, but abundant—beyond measure. It is the reason why His people can trust in His mercy and grace, no matter how dark their circumstances may seem.
   

Overall Meaning:

This passage from Lamentations highlights the unfailing love and faithfulness of God, even during times of great suffering. The writer, likely the prophet Jeremiah, reflects on the devastation of Jerusalem and the exile of the people, but instead of giving in to despair, he acknowledges that it is only because of God’s great love and compassion that they have not been completely destroyed. The verse underscores the renewal of God’s mercy every day and celebrates the greatness of His faithfulness.
 

Key Themes:

1. God’s Unfailing Love: Even in the midst of suffering and hardship, God’s love remains constant. It is this great love that keeps His people from being completely consumed by their circumstances.
    

2. God’s Compassion and Mercy: God’s compassion is tender and never fails. He remains merciful and offers forgiveness and help, even when His people are going through judgment or hardship.
    

3. Daily Renewal of God’s Mercy: The idea that God’s mercies are new every morning conveys the hope that no matter how difficult the previous day was, God’s grace and mercy are available again today. This is a reminder that God’s love and care are unfailing and renewable—we can depend on it every day.
    

4. God’s Faithfulness: The phrase "great is your faithfulness" celebrates God’s dependability and loyalty. Even when everything else seems uncertain or unstable, God remains faithful to His promises, and His faithfulness is great, worthy of trust.
    

Application for Believers:

• Hope in God’s Love: In times of personal struggle, loss, or suffering, believers can take comfort in knowing that God's great love for them is unshakable. Even when circumstances seem bleak, God’s love will preserve and sustain them.
   

• Rely on God’s Daily Mercy: This verse invites us to rely on God’s mercy each day. We don’t have to carry the weight of past mistakes or worries about the future; God's mercies are new every morning, and He offers fresh grace and strength for the day ahead.
   

• Trust in God’s Faithfulness: The truth that God’s faithfulness is great gives us confidence to trust Him. No matter what we face, we know that God will always be faithful to His promises. We can rest in the knowledge that He is committed to us and will not abandon us, even when everything around us seems to fall apart.
   

• Praise God for His Unfailing Compassion: The verse encourages believers to praise God for His compassion, which never fails. When facing trials, believers can turn to God with confidence, knowing that His tender care is always available.
   

Summary:

Lamentations 3:22-23 expresses deep gratitude and trust in God’s unfailing love and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times. The verse reminds us that God’s mercies are renewed every day, and His compassion and faithfulness are always available to us, no matter what we face. In the midst of suffering or uncertainty, these truths offer profound hope, knowing that God’s love and mercy will sustain and strengthen us, day by day.

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Additional Information:

Read the full chapter and find more resources at biblegateway.com (external site)>>

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