New Year, New Mercies: “Consistency in the Midst of Covid” - :22-23

Purpose Statement: We are kicking off 2021 focusing on the mercies of God. God's Word reminds us His mercies NEVER end and are NEW every morning.

Background: the wrote Lamentations as a book of 5 poems expressing the grief over the fall of . The city and the people that God had established a covenant with, were destroyed and taken captive by enemies because of their sin and many had lost hope. The prophet himself wrote on behalf of the nation that they were hurting and thought God had forgotten them. “So much like a eulogy at a funeral; lamentations is morning a loss, in this case, the loss of a nation.” However, the authors central message was even in the midst of “panic and pitfall” and “devastation and destruction” (3:47), the Lord’s faithfulness is great and His love and mercy never end.

Encouraging truths from that give hope when we call to mind:

There is Mercy for the . Lamentations 1:1 God and you. When you turn to the Lord, He will be there.

There is Mercy for the . :13 Sin led to being broken, but Jesus leads to being . We were broken, beaten, and deceived by sin, Jesus was broken, beaten, and sin.

There is Mercy for the . Lamentations 3:18 Jesus is the only one who brings and give .

There is Mercy for the . :15-16 Seeking the Lord gives . He leads you to freedom from slavery.

There is Mercy for the . :16-22 When sinners repent, Jesus will them.

Application: - Repent and believe in Jesus. He sees you weary sinner, come home. - Call, Cry, to the Lord with your whole heart, and trust His promises. - Quit seeking other things to heal your heart. Only Jesus can heal your brokenness. Remember His sacrifice, and walk in His new mercies everyday. - Look to the Lord. Where does your help come from? It come from the Maker of heaven and earth. - Repent of not relying on the Lord to lead you. He will give you direction. - Anticipate the coming of Christ: Complete restoration is coming so walk in obedience.