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.

Devotion based on Lamentations 3:22,23

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sometimes, it takes something bad to focus on what’s most important. Here are some examples:

• Sometimes, it takes getting a bad report card to focus on doing your homework to the best of your ability.

There’s something that focuses people on what’s most important more than anything else. Can you guess what it is? Death. It’s easy to get distracted in life. We think about all sorts of things. But when we or someone we love face death, death focuses us on how much we need God.

That’s what happened to the Israelites in the Bible. They were always too busy for God. They were always putting other things before God. They even worshiped idols instead of God. Was that okay? No way! So, God let something bad happen. God let another country attack them. There was an awful war. Many people died. It was sad and heartbreaking.

But something happened: Facing death focused the people on what’s most important. What is most important? God. God and his love. After he watched his country conquered and many of his people die, the prophet Jeremiah wrote this: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Even in the face of death, God’s compassions never fail. In fact, he uses death to show us his great love for us.

Chances are, someone you know and love is facing death today. If you can’t think of someone now, someday you will. Remember this: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Even in the face of death, Jesus gives us the hope of eternal life. So focus today on what’s most important: God! His compassions never fail.

Dear Father in heaven, you are always thinking about us, but we aren’t always thinking about you. Forgive us for all the times we get distracted. When we and the people we love face death, remind us that your compassions never fail. Use the thought of death to focus us on you and your promises of eternal life with you in heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above