Lamentations 3 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness!

by Katrina

LINK: Lamentations 3

BACKGROUND
Jeremiah begins this poem with his pain and hopelessness. He feels trapped and desolate, without peace or happiness (vs 1-18). But then he turns his attention to the LORD and remembers the hope that comes from Him. He remembers God's goodness and that He disciplines out of love. He speaks of God's longsuffering, justice, and sovereignty (vs 19-38). Jeremiah says that it's not man's place to complain, rather he should return to the LORD (vs 39-42). Yet God doesn't seem to be accessible, and enemies have brought devastation and destruction. Jeremiah weeps at what he sees and at the treatment he has received from the leaders in Jerusalem. He is overwhelmed (vs 43-54). He closes the poem with a prayer for God to deliver him from his enemies (vs 55-66).

REFLECTION
In the depths of great sorrow, Jeremiah feels completely exhausted. His heart knows no peace, and he can't remember the last time he was happy. He is at the end of his rope and without any hope. Then he brings to mind something that gives him hope -- Now the most familiar verses of Lamentations -- "The LORD's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness."

APPLICATION
Are you struggling today? Does your situation seem hopeless?Let's meditate on this passage. Even if today isn't a struggle, this is a wonderful passage to have stored in your heart for those difficult times when they come.

²²The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
²³They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
²⁴"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I have hope in Him."
²⁵The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
²⁶It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the LORD.
²⁷It is good for a man that he should bear
The yoke in his youth.
²⁸Let him sit alone and be silent
Since He has laid it on him.
²⁹Let him put his mouth in the dust,
Perhaps there is hope.
³⁰Let him give his cheek to the smiter,
Let him be filled with reproach.
³¹For the Lord will not reject forever,
³²For if He causes grief,
Then He will have compassion
According to His abundant lovingkindness.
³³For He does not afflict willingly
Or grieve the sons of men.

PRAYER
Thank you, LORD, for being the faithful One who has compassion on us. Teach us to trust in You and wait for You. Amen.