Never failing compassion

"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.” - Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)

As I read these words today a few things stand out for me.

What does 'consumed' mean for us in today's language? I found the Living Bible offers more clarity for me: "It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction." (v.22)

And how can the word 'portion' speak into our lives? Well, that word can also be read as 'inheritance' - so, what the writer is suggesting is that God himself will be our reward for faithfully following his ways. In this world, we can possibly expect to leave a material inheritance for our families, but can you imagine if we could leave 'God' as the eternal gift?

Eugene Peterson writes:

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
    his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
    How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
    He’s all I’ve got left.

Living in Grace

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Our Portion - Ezekiel 44

In Ezekiel's 44th chapter he gives clear instruction as to how the priests should live and work. One of the things that struck me about this chapter appears in verse 28, where God says:

“‘I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession."

I believe this speaks to all of us today, not just priests. God is to be our true 'inheritance' and 'possession.' All of the material things we spend time trying to acquire and hold onto, will revert to someone else when we have died. However, the one thing that we can claim for our eternal life, is God's inheritance and possession. These things we can claim in the name of Jesus.

Psalm 16:5 - Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 

Living in Grace
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