²¹ But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:

²² The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;

²³ they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

²⁴ “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3: 21-24

I hear a song in my spirit when I read these words. It is Emily McCoy singing at one of our Unhindered Encounters. “The steadfast love of the Lord never changes. His mercies never come to an end./ They are new every morning. New every morning. / Great is your faithfulness to me./ Great is your faithfulness.

This is a supernatural math equation. It adds up every single time for our good. When we call to mind, when we consciously, purposely, submit, remind, immerse, surround ourselves with truth about God, the bottom line sum is always the same — “therefore I have hope.”

What is the truth? No more and no less than the steadfast love of the Almighty, Living God. For me, for you. His steadfast love gives me hope when I am empty. And it is His mercy that washes my life and circumstances. Not my love, not my mercy. But His steadfast love and mercy that rises every morning like the sun.

The LORD is my portion, therefore I will hope in Him. Don’t miss this. He is the sum total. “The thing.” The goal and measure of success. Not my looks, my money, reputation, relationships, kids or dreams. Not even my work done in His name. He is the portion; He alone is the piece that pacifies and satisfies my soul.

“Lord, thank You for the simplicity and power of this statement. Thank You for showing me that I can choose to call to mind the truth about You. Thank You that because You never run out of love and mercy, that I too can have love and mercy for myself and others. And Lord, thank You for revealing how I try to fill my cup with other things. You alone are my portion, therefore I have hope.” Amen.