Read Lamentations 3:25-39
This section of the third lament begins with hope rather than despair. The author wants the people to understand the hope that comes from depending on God. Clearly, living through the destruction of Jerusalem and watching loved ones die or be taken away was a brutal reality. Hard times are so much more devastating when we don’t rely on God.
This passage speaks of submitting to the “yoke of his discipline.” That is, we are to come willingly to God, accepting his discipline as a way of teaching us something. Have you ever thought that everything that happens to us in life has a purpose? The author encourages readers to accept what was happening and learn from it.
Our best learning begins with being quiet. Only then can we reflect on what God wants from us. Upon reflection, we’re ready to respond with humility and repentance. Through this process, we need to maintain our self-control and confidently wait on the Lord to teach us our lessons. There is always something we can take away from our adversity.
While God may allow calamity, he also brings compassion. We are never abandoned, even though we might feel alone sometimes. There are plenty of verses we can cling to. Here are a couple:
Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Hebrews 13:5 (this especially speaks to financial issues), “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
When God seems silent in your despair, what do you do to keep hopeful? Do you ever lose hope that God will answer? Never forget “the greatness of his unfailing love.” There is a lot of truth in the saying, “father knows best.” Indeed, our heavenly Father always has our best in mind. Shouldn’t we respond by sharing our excellence with others to help grow or nurture the Kingdom of God?
Jesus ushered in that kingdom for us when he was born. His death and resurrection put our king on the throne of heaven. We are in the midst of that kingdom right here on earth. Left in charge, we desire to help grow and expand the reach, aware of the evil one’s grasp on us and so many of our friends and loved ones.
When we resist the evil one, God sees, and the world does too. Standing on the truth of Scripture may not be the popular choice, but it is a choice that pleases God. After reading the laments, I’m not sure I want to be one who displeases God on purpose or by accident. Accidents still disappoint God.
I love what James 4:7 says, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We humble ourselves when we “submit to the yoke of discipline.” Beyond humbling ourselves, we also need to resist the devil to rid evil from our lives. Sometimes that’s easier said than done. As believers, we are always under attack lest we attract more and more believers. The battle between good and evil is real. It’s a doozy these days.
It’s all the more important for us to read these laments and claim them as our own heritage. If not Jewish by birth, we are then grafted in to chosen people because of devotion to Jesus. It’s quite an honor being on Jesus’ team.
I loved the final verse in this section that said: “Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins?” Would that possibly mean that the author observed complainers during the whole take-over of Jerusalem? We all sin, but do we all complain? This verse would suggest we should keep our complaints to ourselves because we have no defense.
We know the ultimate punishment for sin is death. That is, until Jesus came and took our death sentence from us. As followers of Christ, we have a future to look forward to. A life forever in paradise with Jesus and all who call him Lord or King Jesus.
A life forever with Jesus gives me hope amidst any moments of despair I may be feeling in this life. I hope you feel the same way!
Let’s pray: King Jesus, I fall at your feet in worship. You are mighty and wise, loving and forgiving. Thank you for what you did for me on the cross and in the empty tomb. I look forward to the day when we meet face to face. Until then, Lord, please use me to help grow your kingdom and nurture others who are waiting for your return. I love you. In your precious name. Amen.
