Daily EncouragementSample

How many people realize when they sing the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness, that the words originate here in the Book of Lamentations? Every testimony to the faithfulness of God is an encouragement, but how much more when it comes out of a situation like this. “God is faithful,” we say as we bask in the sunshine with all our needs supplied, and we are not insincere. But the situation in Lamentations is something different. This is a voice out of the devastated city where all the people “groan as they search for bread; they barter their treasures for food to keep themselves alive” (Lam. 1:11). What is the explanation? “Here is a trustworthy saying . . . if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Tim. 2:11,13). Faithful to his word - The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word, which he decreed long ago . . . Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins?” (Lam. 2:17, 3:39). Faithful to his people - “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lam. 3:22-23). Faithful to his love - “though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love” (Lam. 3:32). “Great is your faithfulness!”