“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 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. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’” Lamentations 3:21-24 (NIV)
Lamentations chapter 3 is an acrostic poem. Its stanzas all begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In addition, all the verses in each stanza begin with the same letter. But this linguistic method is not the unique thing about Jeremiah’s lament. The truly significant point is that the prophet claims to be “the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath” (v.1). His understanding is that God has allowed his trouble to come upon him. This concept should neither be denied nor ignored lightly. Jeremiah laments that God has abandoned Israel and describes the situation in figurative language.
Any minister you talk with can give you any number of similar examples from his or her own experiences. But if you read the chapter closely, you’ll discover that Jeremiah is in a battle with his own thoughts, depression, mental state, and attitude. From verse two through verse 20, this prophet is detailing the experience of a dry and thirsty soul. He wants a clearer understanding of his situation and he wonders if God is even listening.
He is exhausted and feels alienated from God. His circumstances are painful. His sense of abandonment makes him bitter and causes his depression to be as deep and dark as the grave. He feels trapped and cannot see any relief from his suffering. And God is not answering his prayers. He considers himself to be the helpless victim. He is an innocent target. He is completely destroyed and is ridiculed and mocked by everyone. He is overwhelmed by bitterness. He feels utterly defeated. He has lost his peace and well-being. As he considers his state of affairs, he concludes that God has forsaken him. He can’t think about anything else, yet the more he thinks about it the further he sinks into depression.
But somewhere in the deep recesses of his inner being, a voice begins to review his memories and hope is restored. What memory could cause such a revival? God’s mercies are new everyday! God’s compassion does not fail! It is because of his mercy that we are not consumed. God is faithful!
In the experience of hopelessness, we discover the faithfulness of God. No matter what troubles we face today, God is all we have. We are his and he is ours.
Dear Father, thank you for being our inheritance. Empower us to live our lives in patient hope. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Be encouraged today with God’s faithfulness,