Scripture Reading: Lamentations 3:1-24
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”—Lamentations 3:22-23
One of the greatest tragedies in life is the tendency to make assumptions about life. I go to sleep each night with the wardrobe set aside, lunch prepared, and plans etched out in my mind for the next day. Intellectually, I recognize the reality that the next day will not occur to some untold people in this world. Yet, at times, I take for granted that tomorrow will occur for me. As natural and manmade disasters loom across the world and the fruit of people’s lifelong labor go up in fire, get washed away in a flood, or swept up in a hurricane or tornado, I assume my home will be there each night I return from work. I make the assumption I will make it home from work each day. While accidents, disease, and senseless, random violence take away lives without warning, I assume those people I know and love will always be there, always protected in their daily activities.
I suspect I am not alone in those assumptions. Many of us presume God’s goodness, mercy and compassion are inherently part of our lives without fail. Perhaps it is not that we take God for granted, we just become so accustomed to God’s mercy that we see it as a constant companion that is inseparable from our living. Today’s passage reminds us those presumptive things are not to be taken for granted. God’s compassions are steadfast and enduring not because of our goodness, but because of God’s mercies. In a world fraught with dangers each day and every moment of each day, the presumption that God will exercise a compassionate hand on our behalf is not a given. It is a presumption.
So, what should be our response to that reality? By no means should we stumble about in a perpetual state of fear of something going wrong in life, a concern that tragedy is about to strike, nor that family and friends may be whisked away from us without warning. Instead, we should recognize the fragility of life and be ever mindful of why the tragedy that could happen to us does not happen; because of God’s mercy. Today’s passage is not a lament about what is wrong or what could go wrong. It is a declaration of praise to God for divine mercy, grace and compassion that is renewed and repackaged as a totally unique gift every morning. Our response shouldn’t be fear or anxiety, but praise and thanksgiving.
Today, every day, take the time to recognize and give glory and praise to God for the gift that is not owed to us, but the gift God compassionately wraps up and sets before us every moment of every day. Be ever mindful of God’s gift of grace, mercy and compassion.
Lesson to Remember: God awakens us each day, not out of a sense of obligation but as a proof of divine love.
“I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.”—Psalm 77:11-12
