Mercies in the middle of loss
Today's focusThe writer remembers his affliction and misery, yet calls to mind that the Lord's compassions never fail; they are new every morning, and great is his faithfulness.
Read
19Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. 20My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. 21This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 25The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
Reflection
As the year draws to a close, you may find your soul "still in remembrance" of difficult times. The writer of this passage does not hide from "affliction and my misery," describing them with the bitterness of "wormwood and the gall." It is honest to admit when the weight of the past months has left you feeling "humbled." Yet, right in the middle of these painful memories, there is a deliberate shift. You are invited to "recall to my mind" a truth that changes your perspective: the steady, unchanging nature of God.
Even when life feels overwhelming, "it is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed." The passage promises that his "compassions fail not," arriving with fresh strength "new every morning." Because "great is thy faithfulness," you do not have to rely on your own power to get through the day. You can find rest in the truth that "the LORD is my portion." By choosing to "quietly wait" and seek Him, you find a hope that remains steady, no matter what you have walked through.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What loss or sorrow from this year do you need to bring honestly to God before the year ends?
Pray
Lord, you know the pain and losses I have carried this year. I bring them to you honestly. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning and that you are my portion.