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But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never cease, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23
It is not uncommon for Christians to question the presence or goodness of God when they go through difficult times. Some Christians might even raise a clenched fist at God in the midst of our anger, sadness, or disappointment. Such reactions are commonplace. You might well find yourself in such a situation today and asking – where is God and His goodness?
Such questions pertains to the theological topic of theodicy. The confines of a devotion does not afford us the space to explore this topic fully. However, the book of Lamentations might offer us an interesting perspective. It points out that God’s answer could well be hiding in plain sight. His presence, goodness, mercy, and grace can be found in our breath of life.
This is exactly what Lamentations 3:21-23 tells us. It was written during the impending fall of Jerusalem. This was a context of utter hopeless and destruction. With seemingly nothing else to hold on to for hope, the author of Lamentations points to that often overlooked yet profound proof of God’s steadfast love and grace – our breath of life.
Thomas Merton articulates this thought most artfully in his book, Thoughts in Solitude. He writes: “Every breath we draw is a gift of God’s love, every moment of existence is a grace.” Every morning when we awake to a new day, it is proof that God remains steadfast to us. Every breath we continue to draw speaks of God’s love in sustaining life. Every moment of life tells us that God’s mercy and grace to us has not ended.
It is based on this that we can declare with Lamentations that we have hope, and that God’s faithfulness truly is great! This may not be a full and robust answer to questions of God’s goodness and presence. However, it give us a handle – a simple daily reminder – of God’s faithfulness. That every breath we take is evidence that God is still with us.
May this bring hope to us as we continue to walk faithfully with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Most Rev Dr Titus Chung
Archbishop of the Province of South East Asia
