I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 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."
Lamentations 3:19-23 NIV

As 2009 draws to a close, many of us reflect on all that we've experienced. Some of us may have faced unemployment, loss loved ones, or received a bad health report. When we dwell upon these circumstances we can easily recall the hurt and pain it caused us. Still, we are encouraged in Lamentations 3:21 "...to have hope because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed..." We may have been knocked down but we have not been knocked out. The Creator of the universe loves us and since you are able to read this today you can testify that you have not been consumed! Hallelujah! See, we can rejoice because his compassions never fail. They are new EVERY morning; great is HIS faithfulness. Not only do we have a new year to anticipate his faithfulness, each morning is an opportunity to expect Him to shower us with love and compassion. Take courage! He loves you, He loves me, and He is faithful. Have a blessed New Year! See you next week.

Be blessed!