the greenest grass around

We are taking a look at Lamentations today. Lamentations is not a book that I usually spend a lot of time in but I love this verse. It speaks to me and the strength that I need from God every day.

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

I used to teach kindergarten. Those kids tried hard to focus and stay on the carpet while I taught, but they were so young. They struggled to focus. Kindergarteners only have so long they can pay attention. They needed a fresh start each day. Just because they had a terrible Monday did not mean they would have a bad week. So just like my students, we need a fresh start each day.

God loves us, has compassion for us, and he gives us that opportunity every day. Lord knows I need a new beginning every day. We all know that some days, weeks, or months it is just not happening for us. (Insert the “Friends” theme song.) For me, it’s been the last six months. But every day, I begin with a new start. I try to remember to ask God for his compassion and guidance each day. I drive for work a lot and spend many hours on the road. So, my morning commutes are when I spend quiet time with God. I find that I spend more time with God when I have to commute. It gives me quiet time with him, and I can focus on asking him for that guidance and support for that day.

I try to have quiet time with God even at home, but I find it is easier for me while driving. I would love to know when you spend your quiet time with God and how you ask him to guide you throughout the day.

Let’s look again at the part of the verse that states, “we are not consumed”. I don’t know about you but I can burn the light at both ends regularly. When we do this, it does affect our bodies. We get tired and agitated with ourselves and others. When we remember to ask God for his guidance and direction for our day, it also helps us to focus on him (his plan) and not our plan. It helps me to remember to keep God first (First things first) and not push my agenda. So, if we take God’s offer, he will sustain us and not let us be consumed.

Finally, the last part of the verse, “Great is your faithfulness!” God is faithful even when he is silent. We think he isn’t there, but he is. He is always working things out for his purpose and guiding us. God’s faithfulness never fails. I love looking at God’s promises to us throughout the bible, and this is a big one. It reminds me of the song “Promises” from Maverick City Music. They sing; Great is your faithfulness to me, from the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise your name, great is your faithfulness to me.

Thank God daily for his faithfulness, love, and compassion. Remember to ask God for a fresh start, guidance, and directions for each day. Each morning God gives us a new beginning. God offers; but we have to take him at his offer. Ask him and praise his name because it will come to pass.

Lord, I pray each person reading this knows you and your goodness. I pray that you will knock on the door of their heart and remind them that you are there and all they have to do is accept your offer. Lord, thank you for your love, compassion, and faithfulness. Thank you for a new beginning every morning. Please guide and direct me in your will today and help me to remember to keep you first. Great is your faithfulness. Amen.