Jesus’ life on earth was marked by great compassion for those who were hurting, sick, and caught up in sin.

The miracles when He feeds the 5000 and when He walks on water are prompted by great compassion towards us. (See Matt 14:13-33)

And as we are told in both the Old and New Testaments (Malachi 3:6 and James 1:17), our God does not change.

He is still incredibly compassionate toward His people.

He is still “moved with compassion” (Matt 14:14) toward me and toward you today knowing all we’ve ever done, every doubt we’ve ever had, and every sin and weakness we still fight.

And while we have an enemy who tempts us all day long to believe that God is far away, uncaring, and unmoved by our struggles and pain, this is simply not true.

But what do we do when we feel this way?

When I feel especially tempted to believe God is not with me, I turn up the praise music because I think the demons flee when they hear it. I linger in the Word a little longer, and listen intently for His calming voice. I pray and ask God to let me know He truly is near.

And so many times, He does just that. Somehow, some way, He allows me to feel His presence or see His Hand. He doesn’t have to do this, but in compassion towards me, I see Him doing this.

Like Peter, I’ve taken my eyes off Him and feared the waves tossing around me, even though I know the One who commands them.

Like so many in scripture, I’ve blown it. I’ve gone my own way and hurt myself and others.

My faith has been so very weak at times, and I suspect it might be again. But my Savior, His compassions, they absolutely fail not! His mercies are truly new every morning!

“This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord”. (Lam 3:21-26)

What a Savior!

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