Not Consumed

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

How easily anger can well up. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed.

Time spent longing for more, the newest toy, the nicer car, the sought-after vacation, the trendier clothes. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed.

That word spoken could easily have blown up the relationship. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed.

According to reports, habits around food or exercise or work or coffee or sleep or alcohol or smoking should have shown their impact decades ago. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed.

Lust, pursuits of pleasure or adventure or simply adrenaline rushes. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed.

Jealousy and pride - receiving attacks from those whose own insecurities cause them to lash out at others. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed.

Wounds and scars from parents or children, lovers or abusers, bosses and those we've served. Wounds and scars that cause a limp for a lifetime. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed.

This is not a warning. It is a gift. and it comes with an invitation.

An invitation to gratitude and praise each morning we rise. An invitation to live life enjoying that love, being changed by that love, but not being afraid that one might lose that love. An invitation to hear God speak our value and worth beyond what others may tell us it is and beyond what we often feel about ourselves. And it's an invitation to join God in extending his great love to others when things threaten to consume.

Jesus' words reflect this invitation.

Don't be afraid.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Whether the threat comes from within or without, the gift is the same.

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.