The other day a friend sent me a text quoting Lamentations 3:22-24: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness…Therefore, I will hope in Him!”

I love those verses. They first became precious to me when Steve and I were serving as missionaries in the country of Sudan. At the time the country was in a civil war and I often felt afraid. The dirt, the heat, and the lack of water often got to me and I wondered if I was going to survive. During those days I learned a new song; “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning, Great is thy faithfulness oh Lord, Great is thy faithfulness!” 

I remember getting on my knees early in the morning, feeling the intense heat, worried about sickness and war and if we would have to be evacuated. I prayed, “Lord your mercies are new every morning. Help me to trust you!” Ah, in those times of trial and darkness, we experience His mercy as never before! Looking back on those years, I am so thankful! I’m so thankful that God kept us safe, but more than that I’m thankful that He showed me firsthand what His mercy looked like in darkness. 

In this time of global darkness, write out Lamentations 3:22-24. Post it in a place where you can see it often, and throughout your day, stop. Remember. Praise Him. His love is steadfast. It won’t be changed by COVID. It won’t be diminished in a failing economy. It won’t be shifted by your feelings of insecurity or fear. His love is steady and strong.

It holds you when you’re weeping.

It carries you when you have no strength.

It provides for you when resources are lacking.

It comforts you when you or a loved one are sick.

It challenges you to love others out of the overflow of a full heart.

His love goes above and beneath you, in front and behind you. It will never diminish nor will it vary. It will remain constant throughout the rest of your life. So, what do you do if you don’t feel His love? Praise Him. Huh? You might be thinking, that feels inauthentic. Here’s what I know – if you will choose to praise Him for His love even when you don’t feel it, the Holy Spirit will strengthen your heart to believe it! I dare you. Try it for at least 30 days and watch what happens in your soul.

Lord Jesus, your word teaches me that your love is steadfast. You are more faithful than the most ardent lover. You quiet me with your love and rejoice over me with singing and dancing. My mind can’t even comprehend that kind of love. As I walk through these uncertain days I pray, Holy Spirit, that you will strengthen my heart to believe what is true. In the moments when I doubt your love, remind me that your love will never change! It is as constant as the sun rising each morning! Great is your faithfulness!