“But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:21-23, The Message).

My favorite Hebrew word is in this passage. It’s hesed, commonly translated as lovingkindness or stedfast love. I heard from a great teacher that basically it’s when someone from whom you have the right to expect nothing instead gives you everything.

That’s my hope these days. I’m counting on the fact that God’s hesed hasn’t run out. Even though I have no right to expect that kind of faithful love, still I ask for it. I crave it like a fish craves water or birds crave the sky.

In this season of transition where I feel set adrift, I know that hesed means that I have a firm foundation, a strong anchor amidst the waves, a welcome audience to the heavenly throne room in my time of need. I know that despite my fear, I won’t be forgotten. God will remember, even if I forget.

Every morning is a reminder of God’s promises, especially that His mercies are daily renewed to me and will never come to an end. So I hold on to hope as Hope holds on to me.