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. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:22-26 (NIV)
God’s supply of compassion and loyal love is not limited in the least rather continuously ever flowing. His mercies are new every morning. Every day a fresh supply of His love awaits His own covenant people. Like manna in the morning it lies for our taking and it cannot be exhausted. This great Truth of the limitless supply of loyal love causes us to praise His amazing faithfulness. When we have grasped the truth of His love and grace for us, we are enabled to trust God despite whatever circumstances we might be facing. We know He is in control of all things and that no plan of His can be thwarted and that He loves us with an everlasting love even rejoicing over us with singing.
God does not willingly bring affliction to His saints and there is always purpose in our pain. When troubles do arrive, the saint is to develop a proper attitude toward their circumstances – seeking to embrace what He allows knowing He has our best interest at heart. Enabled by His power, we are to endure what He allows with hope, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than the problem or the pain. The best place for a believer to be is standing firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured – even in the difficult. His perfect plan is always for our best. It does us well to remember that our trials are temporary and tempered by God’s touch, His love and compassion. He is always closest to the shorn lamb, Amen? It is comforting to note as well that our Father takes no delight in our afflictions yet they are allowed as they all arrive pregnant with purpose. In His sovereignty, God has his reasons for afflictions permitted which, like Job, we may not discover the “why” this side of heaven. Afflictions are also used to accomplish the greater good of turning God’s people back to Him. As we hope in Him, He makes beauty out of our ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. His desire is for us to be “Oaks of Righteousness”, plantings of the Lord for the display of His splendor.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)