Lamentations 3

December 21, 2011

Yea! I'm excited. After writing about the warnings of Jeremiah for the last three months (and Isaiah before that), today I get to write about something encouraging—HOPE! Jeremiah was discouraged.  Jerusalem was in ruins. He was battered from the storms. He was worn out. And then he writes, "But I have hope when I think of this:

     "The LORD's love never ends
          his mercies never stop
     They are new every morning;
          LORD, your loyalty is great.
     I say to myself, "The LORD is mine,
          so I hope in him."        (Verses 21–24)

     "The LORD is good to those who hope in him,
          to those who seek him.
     It is good to wait quietly
          for the LORD to save."        (Verses 25–26)

"The LORD will not reject his people forever. Although he brings sorrow, he also has mercy and great love. He does not like to punish people or make them sad." (Verses 31–33) He sees, and He knows!! "He sees if someone is treated unfairly before the Most High God; the LORD sees if someone is cheated in his case in court." (Lamentations 3:36)

God is in control. He sees! He knows! Lamentations 3:37–38 - "Nobody can speak and have it happen unless the LORD commands it. Both bad and good things come by the command of the Most High God.

That should (and does) give us so much hope, peace, and confidence—in the LORD. He is in control. Nothing has, and nothing ever will, happen to us that has not first passed through HIS hands. NOTHING! He sees! He knows! Oh what joy and contentment comes from knowing that, even during the midst of "the storm" and battles of our lives.

"Let us examine and see what we have done and then return to the LORD. Let us lift up our hands and pray from our hearts to God in heaven..." "You came near when I called to you; you said, "Don't be afraid." "Lord, you have taken my case and given me back my life. LORD, you have seen how I have been wronged. Now judge my case for me. You have seen how my enemies took revenge on me and made evil plans against me. (KJV says "imaginations"; NIV says "plots") LORD, you have heard their insults and all their evil plans against me. The words and thoughts of my enemies are against me all the time. Look! In everything they do they make fun of me with songs. Pay them back, LORD, for what they have done. Make them stubborn, and put your curse on them. Chase them in anger, LORD, and destroy them from under your heavens."

Jeremiah's prayer started with, Lord, you are my God (Adonai). Acknowledgment that he is the Lord of his life. The rest of the time (four different times) LORD is in all caps, signifying the "I AM"; "Yawheh"; LORD of Lords; God of all gods. HE is the judge. HE is the avenger. HE is the LORD of our lives... the rest is up to Him.

Years ago I marked this passage in Jane's NIV with a piece of sticky note. As I was reading this now I was wondering why I specifically marked it. Then I knew. Hope! Confidence. Peace. Joy. Contentment. The verses found in Lamentation 3:57–66 are reminiscent of Psalm 140. (Her Name Was Jane) God is in control! We will wait on Him.

Life Lesson: 

"... time spent in the fog of pain could be God's greatest gift. It could be the hour that we finally see our Maker... maybe in our suffering we can see God like never before..." ~ Max Lucado

Next Entry: Lamentations 4:1 – 5:22