Read Lamentations 3:1-40
Have you ever read Lamentations? It's one of the more obscure books of the Old Testament, written by the prophet Jeremiah. This book consists of 5 laments, written like funeral hymns, which are Jeremiah's reflections on the sad state of Israel. Because of Israel's sin, God had given them over to their enemies, the Babylonians. The Babylonians had completely destroyed Jerusalem, leaving it a desolate place of mourning. How would you feel if Islamic terrorists completely destroyed Houston, burning down buildings, plundering the city, taking prisoners captive, etc? If you put yourself in Jeremiah's position, the situation was very bleak. Lamentations 3:1-40 describes Jeremiah's utter despair, as well as his renewed hope in God.
In 3:1-18, Jeremiah is describing his current state and the state of the Israelites as a whole: a state of total misery. The suffering the Israelites are experiencing is described as a result of God's wrath on their sin (1). Bitterness, hardship, and darkness characterize their nation's present situation after the siege of Jerusalem (5-6). Jeremiah feels that his prayers have been shut out and that he has no hope (8, 18). He feels like a target, a complete laughingstock, and one who cowers in the dust (12, 14, 16). Pretty depressing, right? You may have never felt as low as Jeremiah did in this passage, but I'm sure you've experienced affliction. I'm sure you've felt at times that God was shutting you out, that all you could feel was hardship and suffering. Maybe you've felt hopeless.
The good news is that this passage doesn't end at verse 18! In verses 19-40 we see Jeremiah's hope and faith in God restored. As he is at the end of his rope, he remembers something incredible that brings him hope again (20). Though he feels abandoned, he remembers the truth...that God's lovingkindnesses never cease, that His compassions never fail, and that they are new every morning (22-23). Though Israel had been unfaithful to God, God's faithfulness remains great (23). Jeremiah remembers that God is good to those who wait for Him and seek after Him for salvation (25-26). These truths about God's character completely change this passage from one of utter despair to one of incredible encouragement and hope.
We read in verses 31-32 that God doesn't cause affliction forever. His affliction is only temporary. When that suffering leads us to repentance, the affliction turns to lovingkindness and compassion. Verse 33 tells us that God doesn't enjoy punishing us. He isn't up in heaven just waiting for a chance to pour out His wrath on us. He must judge sin, but He is waiting to forgive and restore us as soon as we repent! We also see in verses 37-38, that God is completely sovereign over everything, and nothing happens outside His control. It was the Babylonians who ravaged Jerusalem, but God ultimately was responsible for bringing about the judgment of Israel. Jeremiah states that they can't complain about that judgment, because it was a result of their own sins (39). This section ends with verse 40 teaching us what the ultimate result of this affliction should be for the Israelites. It should lead them to examine their hearts before God, repent of their sins, and turn back to Him.
Pretty heavy stuff, right? There is so much packed into this incredible passage of Scripture, and we'll cover even more in the next post on verses 41-66. For now, let me ask you 2 questions. Do you need a reminder that God's lovingkindness and compassions never fail? Lamentations 3:22-23 would be a great passage for you to memorize! Do you need to repent before the Lord for sins you have committed? Take Jeremiah's advice in verse 40, and ask God to examine your heart and turn to Him in repentance!
