12/28/20 WHAT’S NEW? #7 — Lamentations 3:22-23 (HCSB) Because of the LORD’s FAITHFUL LOVE we do not perish, for HIS MERCIES never end. 23 They are NEW every morning; great is Your FAITHFULNESS!

“FAITHFUL LOVE”: This Heb. word, used about 250 times in the OT, refers to God's gracious love. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses love, grace, mercy, goodness, forgiveness, truth, compassion, and faithfulness.

“HIS MERCIES never end. They are NEW every morning”: As bleak as the situation of judgment had become, God's covenant lovingkindness was always present (cf. vv. 31, 32), and His incredible faithfulness always endured so that Judah would not be destroyed forever (cf. Mal 3:6).

“great is Your FAITHFULNESS: The bedrock of faith is the reality that God keeps all His promises according to His truthful, faithful character. [adapted from The MacArthur Study Bible]

My former pastor Dr. Ron Herrod once said that he took some pictures to the camera shop to be developed (in the “old days”). When he received them, he saw one of himself that he thought didn’t look good. He told the clerk, “This picture doesn’t do me justice.” The man looked at the picture, then at Ron, and exclaimed, “Sir, you don’t need justice; what you need is MERCY!” And so it is with each of us! Thank the Lord that HIS MERCIES never run out; they are NEW every morning!