Our Scripture meditation this week is based on Lamentations 3:22–24, the start of the Old Testament reading for next week.
[22] The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; [23] they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. [24] “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.”
This Scripture passage is jarring, like seeing lilies blooming in a meadow scorched by wildfire. Yet its presence in the book of Lamentations ultimately makes sense.
To lament is to mourn aloud, to wail in grief. The Book of Lamentations captures the grief of God’s people at the destruction of Jerusalem. They were pouring out their hearts to God while in captivity in Babylon.
How could a lament contain the fresh words of hope found in the reading? Was the author of Lamentations in denial about the suffering of God’s people? Was the author giving lip service to hope amid grief?
No, the author was being consistent. Laments are honest, open cries to God. In times of grief, it is healthy to express our emotions, especially to God. Because he loves us, God welcomes our cries of pain and sorrow.
The three verses of hope in God are also honest, open statements of fact. God’s love never ceases. God is faithful to his promises. In God we find our hope, no matter how difficult life is now.
The reality is that, in his fallen world, we need all of the book of Lamentations. We need the freedom to give God the pain that is in our hearts. We need hope that one day God will dry our tears. God either welcomes or provides both.
Kevin Wilson 360 