Centuries ago, when the Jews were translating the Old Testament into Greek, the five chapters that make up Lamentations were originally called, "The Tears of Jeremiah." How appropriate! Jeremiah was the prophet God had sent to warn Israel of their wicked ways and to call the people to repentance. However, the nation chose the path of sin and so God punished them through the terror leveled by the Babylonians. Jeremiah watched the exile unfold before his very eyes, eyes that were filled with tears of pain and sadness.
And yet, amid his tears, Jeremiah could still offer his people something in seemingly short supply - hope. In chapter 3:22-23, we read: 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.
Even in this disaster, believers could see the Lord's gracious hand. Though they had been faithless, according to the prophet, God is faithful and would keep His covenant. Great is the Lord's love! Great is His faithfulness! Jeremiah's proclamation would provide the nation a hope they could hold onto in the midst of their suffering and regret.
May you also find hope in the words from Lamentation, chapter three, whether you are suffering over the death of a loved one or battling a debilitating illness or struggling with a destructive habit or worried about the trials of a child. Be not consumed by troubles and tears - God's compassions never fail. They will not fail you!
