A Gaze and Sigh

Lamentations 3:22, 23 (NIV) ...His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

I received this verse in a card...I think one of the ways I know love is through words. I keep almost every card I receive, the words (especially encouraging ones) of others give me hope and build me up and help me push on when life seems to be crashing...

This verse struck me as ironic and lovely at the same time. A verse in the book of "Lamentations" speaks of faithfulness, compassion and encouragement. It reminds me that even when I am "lamenting" the troubles of this life, God's compassion and mercy are new each day. I can be refreshed and loved by God always... He may not immediately (or ever) "fix" my trials, but He will strengthen and give me endurance to overcome my trials.

This is a great string of words too:
Romans 5:3-11 (NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

I sigh deep, resting in my Abba's arms. Here is the picture of HOPE, I am no longer under His condemnation but in His arms; knowing that He is before me, behind me and holding me during each moment - whether blissful or crushing. I pray you know the weight of His embrace and sweetness in His gaze upon you as His dearly loved child. Where I Always Want To Be

Psalm 27:10 (NLT) Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.