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 3:22-23 (NIV)

All around me I see signs of a new school year. Stores boast fully-stocked shelves and offer back-to-school sales. Our restaurants and streets hum with the return of college students. All of these signs remind me of the hope I had as a public school teacher. Each school year brought a new crop of students—and a fresh start to help them reach their potential. Now, as a retiree, these signs remind me of my love for new beginnings. 

Most of us appreciate the chance for a fresh start, a way to leave behind past mistakes and to try again with a clean slate. But we don’t have to wait for a new year. Each new day gives us the chance to do just that. God gives us this promise in the middle of the Book of Lamentations. 

The author of this book wrote it during a time of great suffering and grief. Because of their rebellion, God allowed the people of Judah to be carried into exile by their enemies, the Babylonians. In this book the author expresses deep cries, or laments, for the people as they suffered the consequences of their sins. But he also recognizes this stunning promise from God:

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 3:22-23 NIV)

The Hebrew word translated as compassions, racham, means tender love, or great and tender mercy. Instead of the just punishment they deserved, God offered the Israelites continued compassion, or mercy. In Hebrew the word for fail, kalah, can also mean to be fully spent. God promises His compassions, or mercies, will never be completely spent—they can never be depleted. Because of His great love, God promised to remain faithful to His people, even though they had been unfaithful to Him. With the advantage of history, we know the Israelites did not remain in exile forever. Later God restored them to their land where they once again enjoyed His blessings.

This promise is based on God’s unchanging nature, so it is just as true for us as it was for the Israelites. God’s unfailing love continues to shower us with His mercies and compassion. 

Because we are human, we all have good and bad moments—often on the same day. My natural tendency is to focus on my mistakes. Too often this robbed me of my joy. But lately I’ve concentrated on expressing my gratitude for the renewal of God’s mercies. This simple act has helped me change my mindset. 

Each day God blesses us with a fresh start as His people. We are free to leave our past mistakes and failures behind, and to embrace the new opportunities which await us. And we know His mercies will never run dry—they will always be here for us, just as He promised.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for showering us with Your love and compassion. Help us to remember that Your mercies are new every morning. May we see each new day as our chance to start over and to be our best for You. We pray this in Your name. Amen.