Lamentations chapters 1 and 2 describe the awful state of Jerusalem. Chapter 3 is personal, describing the afflictions of Jeremiah himself. And nearly in the middle of the book is one of the more well-known verses in the Bible:
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3.21 – 26, KJV)
“Great is thy faithfulness.” The title of a beloved hymn comes from where? Lamentations.
- Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
- There is no shadow of turning with thee.
- Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
- As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be. [Refrain]
- Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
- Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
- Join with all nature in manifold witness
- To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain]
- Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
- Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
- Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
- Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside. [Refrain]
Refrain
- Great is thy faithfulness,
- Great is thy faithfulness,
- Morning by morning new mercies I see.
- All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
- Great is thy faithfulness,
- Lord unto me.
Jeremiah wrote Lamentations. Thomas O. Chisholm wrote “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” More about him tomorrow.
It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3.22, 23, KJV)